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

The Best Friend: Ariana Grande, Wicked Saldaña’s placement was the subject of some controversy earlier this fall, but recently, Grande’s has been the supporting-actress bid under the microscope. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2024

The industry will be under the microscope, with government focus on how AI is developed, deployed, and sustained. —Committee Of 200, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Fans often get nostalgic about the movie, with everything from the McCallister home to the various traps Culkin's character Kevin sets for bumbling thieves Harry and Marv coming under the microscope on social media. —Jack Beresford, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

Gabbard’s contrarian views on foreign policy will come under the microscope this week, particularly in light of the Assad’s stunning fall. —Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing microscope

• atomic force microscope
• compound microscope
• dark-field microscope
• dissecting microscope
• electron microscope
• phase-contrast microscope
• put under the microscope
• scanning electron microscope
• scanning tunneling microscope
• under a/the microscope

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

especially : compound microscope see light microscope, phase-contrast microscope, polarizing microscope, reflecting microscope, ultraviolet microscope

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