microscope

noun

mi·​cro·​scope ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp How to pronounce microscope (audio)
1
: an optical instrument consisting of a lens or combination of lenses for making enlarged images of minute objects
especially : compound microscope
2
: a non-optical instrument (such as one using radiations other than light or using vibrations) for making enlarged images of minute objects
an acoustic microscope

Examples of microscope in a Sentence

Students viewed the crystals through a microscope.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Measuring semen quality involves looking under a microscope and using a computer program to take stock of the total volume, sperm concentration, and proportion of structurally healthy-looking sperm. Simon Spichak, Health, 27 Mar. 2025 The team measured the number of microplastic particles in each sample by staining the particles red and counting them under a microscope, studying their chemical composition using a technique known as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025 Senator Chuck Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, has found himself under a microscope since voting to keep the government open rather than causing a shutdown. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025 Every action or tiny shard of personality revealed to the public was put under a microscope and used against her. Alanna Bennett, refinery29.com, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for microscope

Word History

Etymology

New Latin microscopium, from micr- + -scopium -scope

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of microscope was in 1648

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Cite this Entry

“Microscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microscope. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

microscope

noun
mi·​cro·​scope ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp How to pronounce microscope (audio)
1
: an optical instrument consisting of a lens or a combination of lenses for making enlarged or magnified images of minute objects
2
: an instrument using radiation other than light for making enlarged images of very small objects

Medical Definition

microscope

noun
mi·​cro·​scope ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp How to pronounce microscope (audio)
1
: an optical instrument consisting of a lens or combination of lenses for making enlarged images of minute objects
2
: an instrument using radiations other than light or using vibrations for making enlarged images of minute objects
an acoustic microscope
see electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, x-ray microscope

More from Merriam-Webster on microscope

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