PANOPTICON

panopticon

(noun) a circular prison with cells distributed around a central surveillance station; proposed by Jeremy Bentham in 1791

panopticon

(noun) an area where everything is visible

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

panopticon (plural panopticons)

A type of prison where all the cells are visible from the center, particularly if it is not possible for someone in a cell to know if they are being watched.

A room for the exhibition of novelties.

Source: Wiktionary

Pa*nop"ti*con, n. Etym: [NL. See Pan-, and Optic.]

1. A prison so contructed that the inspector can see each of the prisoners at all times, without being seen.

2. A room for the exhibition of novelties.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition