fine structure

noun

: microscopic structure of a biological entity or one of its parts especially as studied in preparations for the electron microscope
fine structural adjective

Examples of fine structure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Citywide mandatory composting, complete with the fine structure, was first enacted via legislation by the Council in 2023. Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2025 Scientists often break down complex sounds into two basic layers, envelope and fine structure. The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024 Astronomers are eager to study the corona with a number of experiments, including high-altitude research planes, to better understand fine structures within it and why the corona is millions of degrees hotter than the surface of the sun. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 8 Apr. 2024 While data from the Keck telescope indicate the fine structure constant was once smaller, the data from the Very Large Telescope indicates the opposite, that the fine structure constant was once larger. Joseph Calamia, Discover Magazine, 19 Nov. 2019 See All Example Sentences for fine structure

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fine structure was in 1867

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Cite this Entry

“Fine structure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fine%20structure. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

fine structure

noun
: microscopic structure of a biological entity or one of its parts especially as studied in preparations for the electron microscope
fine structural adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on fine structure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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