The term "loupe" is derived from the French word "loupe," which means "magnifying glass." This term was originally used to refer to small, handheld magnifying glasses that were used to magnify objects.

Over time, the term "loupe" came to be used to refer to a variety of optical devices that are worn on the head or eyeglasses to magnify objects. These devices, which are commonly used by professionals such as dentists and surgeons, are often called loupes to distinguish them from handheld magnifying glasses.

The term "loupe" is still used today to refer to a range of optical devices that are worn on the head or eyeglasses to magnify objects. These devices are called loupes to distinguish them from handheld magnifying glasses and other types of optical devices.