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

Biopsy: During an endoscopy, your healthcare provider may take a small tissue sample (biopsy) of your colon and send it to the lab to be examined under a microscope. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 31 Dec. 2024

The British-Jamaican experience is looked at under a microscope too. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 22 Dec. 2024

The government’s efforts have been supported by funding and supplies such as microscopes and mosquito nets from the U.S. Agency for International Development, as well as lab technician training from the World Health Organization. —Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Dec. 2024

The large knobs are easy to turn, and the eyepiece stays in place (and focus), making this a great starter microscope for young scientists. —Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 5 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