panopticon n 1: an area where everything is visible 2: a circular prison with cells distributed around a central surveillance station; proposed by Jeremy Bentham in 1791
Panopticon \Pa*nop"ti*con\, n. [NL. See {Pan-}, and {Optic}.] [1913 Webster] 1. A prison so contructed that the inspector can see each of the prisoners at all times, without being seen. [1913 Webster] 2. A room for the exhibition of novelties. [1913 Webster]