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

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