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

Engineers can estimate the depth of the damage using methods such as petrographic analysis – cutting thin sections from the wall and examining the microcracking under a microscope. — Giorgia Giardina, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026

On this track, the rapper puts his own success under a microscope, while still finding time to fire off a few lines about his frequent sparring partner Kendrick Lamar. — Klara Auerbach, Washington Post, 11 Aug. 2026

Park’s team then worked through the 450 years of mud bracketing that sliver, layer by layer, combining microscope images with chemical scans, isotope readings, and diatom counts every two to three years. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Aug. 2026

At that time, the Buffs were making headlines for the physical makeup of their team, and since no one else had anything to talk about, the mighty mites of Boulder got the microscope put squarely on them. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing microscope

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

Rhymes for microscope

• antelope
• bronchoscope
• cantaloupe
• cystoscope
• endoscope
• envelope
• epitope
• gyroscope
• horoscope
• isotope
• misanthrope
• pericope

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