lentile

Lentile is a term used in several Romance-language contexts to denote an optical lens. It refers to the transparent components that focus or spread light in a variety of devices, including eyeglasses, cameras, microscopes, and telescopes. Lenses can be converging (convex) or diverging (concave), and may be shaped as plano-convex, double-convex, or plano-concave, among other geometries. They are designed to correct vision, project images, or alter light paths for measurement and analysis.

Common materials are glass and plastics such as CR-39 or polycarbonate. Glass lenses can be ground and polished to precise curvatures; plastic lenses are typically molded or cast and then finished. Many lenses receive coatings to reduce reflections, improve transmission, and increase durability; UV coatings protect against ultraviolet light, while scratch-resistant coatings extend life.

Lentile-based optics are central to modern vision correction, photography, scientific instrumentation, and consumer electronics. Advancement in coatings, high-index plastics, and aspheric or freeform surfaces continue to enhance optical performance and reduce aberrations.

In everyday language, lentile should not be confused with edible lentils. See also lens, optics, eyeglasses, camera lens.