Main Entry: mi·cro·scope

Pronunciation: \ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp\

Function: noun

1 : an optical instrument consisting of a lens or combination of lenses for making enlarged images of minute objects

[microscope illustration]

; 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