microscope

noun

mi·​cro·​scope ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp How to pronounce microscope (audio)
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 Intermittent fasting has been under the microscope ever since the American Heart Association (AHA) released information earlier this week from a study that linked the eating pattern to a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Korin Miller, Verywell Health, 22 Mar. 2024 Shohei Ohtani is used to being under the microscope due to his unparalleled success on the baseball field, but the slugger is now embroiled in a scandal involving his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. Mark Osborne, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2024 But this is for certain: any photograph by the Princess is certain to be put under the microscope. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2024 Aviation has been under the microscope this year with a series of high-profile incidents raising concerns about safety across the industry. Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2024 Taking a small sample of fluid and looking at it under a microscope. Nicole Harris, Parents, 14 Mar. 2024 The mitochondrion is a pretty little thing under the microscope, a neat lozenge containing a labyrinth of membranes. Quanta Magazine, 6 Mar. 2024 Fekete, the scientist who recalled covering the microscope, said his team’s device never completely stopped working due to rain water. Cat Zakrzewski, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 Documentary Currently Under Litigation More recently, Williams' life has been under a microscope after Lifetime's two-part docuseries, Where Is Wendy Williams? aired last weekend, portraying her troubled life and health issues following the end of her eponymous talk show. Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'microscope.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of microscope was in 1648

Dictionary Entries Near microscope

Cite this Entry

“Microscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microscope. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

microscope

noun
mi·​cro·​scope ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp How to pronounce microscope (audio)
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 How to pronounce microscope (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on microscope

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