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 scientists could even watch the process happen instantly thanks to their special, high-speed microscopes.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025
Every part of the production process includes Penelope, from approving fabric samples under a microscope to choosing the designs.
—Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
The spotlight only contributed to her battle, as her weight was constantly under a microscope throughout her public career, especially in the 1990s and early ’00s when the media and culture was particularly cruel to famous women.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 9 Oct. 2025
The Ivy League school has been under the microscope after it was reported that its Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights hosted a panel in early 2018 where a guest lecturer from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill made his case for potential armed political violence.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for microscope
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Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025
Every part of the production process includes Penelope, from approving fabric samples under a microscope to choosing the designs.
—Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
The spotlight only contributed to her battle, as her weight was constantly under a microscope throughout her public career, especially in the 1990s and early ’00s when the media and culture was particularly cruel to famous women.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 9 Oct. 2025
The Ivy League school has been under the microscope after it was reported that its Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights hosted a panel in early 2018 where a guest lecturer from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill made his case for potential armed political violence.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for microscope
Cite this Entry
“Microscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microscope. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
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