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

Then, the team shaved off ultra-thin pieces of the block — thinner than human hair — and photographed each piece with an extremely high-resolution microscope. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024

The Mustangs, who received the final at-large bid and whose resume has been under the microscope and compared to that of the No. 11 Crimson Tide, who have a strength of schedule superior to SMU based on ESPN Analytics data, did not defeat a team in the final CFP top 25. —Tom Layberger, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

Pluto in Capricorn targeted your seventh house of partnerships, putting your closest relationships under a microscope. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024

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

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