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microscope
noun
mi·cro·scope
ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp
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
Using a high-powered microscope, a scientist found orange fibers matching those found in the car and in Sheila’s apartment on a ribbon attached to a balloon.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
Should a closer look under a microscope reveal anything that could be cancerous, your doctor will then refer you to an oncologist.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 30 Oct. 2024
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the highly specialized contest, which recognizes the best images captured using microscopes and digital imaging techniques.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024
Interview questions have been put under the microscope because of AI
Shapiro’s interview test may have stood the test of time, but many hiring managers today are tossing their go-to questions out of the window thanks to AI.
—Alena Botros, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
New Latin microscopium, from micr- + -scopium -scope
First Known Use
1648, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing microscope
Dictionary Entries Near microscope
Cite this Entry
“Microscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microscope. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
microscope
noun
mi·cro·scope
ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp
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
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
Nglish: Translation of microscope for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of microscope for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about microscope
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