Main Entry:

mi·cro·scope

Pronunciation:

\ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

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

Date:

1651

1: an optical instrument consisting of a lens or combination of lenses for making enlarged images of minute objects ; especially : compound microscope2: a non-optical instrument (as one using radiations other than light or using vibrations) for making enlarged images of minute objects <an acoustic microscope>