microscope

mi·cro·scope | \ ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp

\

Definition of microscope

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 Florida will, as usual, be under a microscope as the nation draws nearer to the 2020 election. — Dan Sweeney, sun-sentinel.com, "NBC News will spotlight Miami-Dade and its ‘unique storyline’ leading up to 2020 election," 14 Nov. 2019 Of course, Mr Trump is not the only one whom impeachment puts under a microscope. — The Economist, "Democrats want impeachment hearings to change opinions on Donald Trump," 14 Nov. 2019 The only definitive way to diagnose Alzheimer’s is to perform an autopsy of the brain after death and examine the tissue under a microscope. — BostonGlobe.com, "Could a simple eye exam detect signs of Alzheimer’s disease?," 29 Oct. 2019 There are no replacement parts available, so all components must be repaired—a task that may require hours manipulating parts under a microscope. — Sean Gallagher, Ars Technica, "Air Force finally retires 8-inch floppies from missile launch control system," 18 Oct. 2019 Cells start degenerating in all sorts of ways (tissue damage and decomposition, edema, and so on) that are readily visible under a microscope. — Christof Koch, Scientific American, "Is Death Reversible?," 11 Oct. 2019 But there’s more to it than simply looking at leaves and pollen grains under a microscope. — Amy Stewart, Washington Post, "By studying a few grains of pollen, she can trace a murderer’s footsteps," 26 Sep. 2019 Unproven therapies: For-profit stem cell clinics come under microscope as California considers oversight. — Taylor Kate Brown, SFChronicle.com, "Bay Briefing: California’s ag industry faces an existential threat — that it could help change," 19 Sep. 2019 Examination under a microscope showed that hairs collected from horses’ tails had similar dimensions and symmetry to those found in the horns of rhinos. — The Economist, "How to forge rhinoceros horn," 12 Nov. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'microscope.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

1 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Microscope.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microscope. Accessed 10 December 2019.

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More Definitions for microscope

microscope

noun

English Language Learners Definition of microscope

: a device used for producing a much larger view of very small objects so that they can be seen clearly

See the full definition for microscope in the English Language Learners Dictionary

microscope

noun

mi·cro·scope | \ ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp

\

Kids Definition of microscope

: an instrument with one or more lenses used to help a person to see something very small by making it appear larger

microscope

noun

mi·cro·scope | \ ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp

\

Medical Definition of microscope

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

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