magnification

noun

mag·​ni·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmag-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce magnification (audio)
1
: the act of magnifying
2
a
: the state of being magnified
b
: the apparent enlargement of an object by an optical instrument

called also power

Examples of magnification in a Sentence

We used a microscope to examine the cells under magnification. At higher magnifications the differences between the cells become clear.
Recent Examples on the Web Note: only select colors and magnification levels are on sale. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2024 This mirror comes in rose gold, features LED lighting, and is double-sided with 1X and 10X magnification. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 16 Sep. 2024 These digital binoculars can see in total darkness, have 8x magnification, and are only $99.99 (reg. New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2024 While magnification is important, a telescope’s real strength is in its resolution, however. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for magnification 

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

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnification was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near magnification

Cite this Entry

“Magnification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnification. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

magnification

noun
mag·​ni·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmag-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce magnification (audio)
1
: the act of magnifying
2
a
: the state of being magnified
b
: the apparent enlargement of an object by an optical instrument

called also power

Medical Definition

magnification

noun
mag·​ni·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmag-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce magnification (audio)
1
: the act of magnifying
2
a
: the state of being magnified
b
: the apparent enlargement of an object by an optical instrument that is the ratio of the dimensions of an image formed by the instrument to the corresponding dimensions of the object

called also power

More from Merriam-Webster on magnification

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