Meaning & use
biconvex
Last updated
Meaning
adjectivenot comparabletechnicalbiology
Having two surfaces that curve outward, like a lens bulging on both sides.
Grammar: Used mainly before a noun: a biconvex lens. Not usually used after a verb or with 'very'.
Patterns
- biconvex lens
- biconvex shape
A biconvex lens bulges outward on both sides and brings light rays together.
The biconvex shape of the lens makes it useful for magnifying small objects.
In the eye, the lens is biconvex, which helps focus light onto the retina.
Common combinations
- biconvex lens
- A biconvex lens is commonly used in magnifying glasses.
- biconvex shape
- The biconvex shape of the lens allows it to focus light sharply.
- biconvex body
- The fossil had a biconvex body, rounded on both faces.
Synonyms and how they differ
- convex
- Convex describes a single surface curving outward; biconvex means both surfaces curve outward.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: biconvex or biconcave?
biconvex vs biconcave
Biconcave means both surfaces curve inward; biconvex means both curve outward.
Practice
Which of these is a biconvex lens?
Choose one answer.
Biconvex means both surfaces curve outward, like a lens bulging on each face. 'Curves inward on both sides' would be biconcave, not biconvex.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “biconvex”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.