magnification

noun

mag·​ni·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmag-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce magnification (audio)
1
: the act of magnifying
2
a
: the state of being magnified
b
: the apparent enlargement of an object by an optical instrument

called also power

Examples of magnification in a Sentence

We used a microscope to examine the cells under magnification. At higher magnifications the differences between the cells become clear.
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.
Zoomable video magnification will now enable wearers with poor eyesight that cannot be corrected with traditional lenses to significantly enhance their perception of their surroundings. Gus Alexiou, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 This double-sided mirror, which has three light modes and a side with 10x magnification — a must for tweezing brows and making sure your makeup is blended. Isabel Garcia, People.com, 10 May 2025 Danke attached a microscope lens at 20 times magnification to a Sony digital camera to zoom in on the insect’s compound eye, at the left of the photo. Tracy Scott Forson, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025 Bring binoculars again because the moon will be slender, and, besides, the Pleiades look spectacular with a bit of magnification. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for magnification

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnification was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Magnification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnification. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

magnification

noun
mag·​ni·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmag-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce magnification (audio)
1
: the act of magnifying
2
a
: the state of being magnified
b
: the apparent enlargement of an object by an optical instrument

called also power

Medical Definition

magnification

noun
mag·​ni·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmag-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce magnification (audio)
1
: the act of magnifying
2
a
: the state of being magnified
b
: the apparent enlargement of an object by an optical instrument that is the ratio of the dimensions of an image formed by the instrument to the corresponding dimensions of the object

called also power

More from Merriam-Webster on magnification

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