microscope

noun

mi·​cro·​scope ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp 

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

Grading looks at how abnormal cancer cells look under a microscope. —Jenny McCoy, Health, 10 Nov. 2023

The Clippers do not typically hold trade talks under such a microscope, their past pursuits characterized as playing out by stealth instead of online. —Andrew Greif, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2023

The microscope was also a real win—my son plays with it most nights before bed. —Simone Scully, Parents, 26 Oct. 2023

On day 10, an endoscopy revealed that H. pylori had colonized his stomach, their characteristic spiral shape unmistakeable under the microscope. —Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 19 Oct. 2023

The book follows Spears’s family relationship, first tastes of fame, and life under the celebrity microscope. —Zoe Guy, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2023

To find out what role the vagus nerve might play in fainting, the researchers examined the internal organs of mice under a microscope. —Aria Bendix, NBC News, 3 Nov. 2023

Sometimes, healthcare providers must remove a growth or take a skin sample for examination under a microscope. —Health Editorial Team, Health, 30 Oct. 2023

Being a new mom is challenging enough without trying to do everything under a microscope. —Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing microscope

• dark-field microscope
• compound microscope
• atomic force microscope
• dissecting microscope
• electron microscope
• put under the microscope
• phase-contrast microscope
• scanning tunneling microscope
• under a/the microscope
• scanning electron microscope

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• dark-field microscope
• compound microscope
• atomic force microscope
• dissecting microscope
• electron microscope
• put under the microscope
• phase-contrast microscope
• scanning tunneling microscope
• under a/the microscope
• scanning electron microscope

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Kids Definition

microscope

noun

mi·​cro·​scope ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp 

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 

1

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

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