microscope

noun mi·cro·scope \ ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp \

Updated on: 22 Apr 2018

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

See microscope defined for English-language learners

See microscope defined for kids

Examples of microscope in a Sentence

Students viewed the crystals through a microscope.

Recent Examples of microscope from the Web

Using a combination of powerful microscopes, hand lenses, and 3D reconstructions, the researchers looked for tell-tale signs of deliberate cutting on the cow skull.

— roni dengler, Science | AAAS, "Prehistoric humans may have practiced brain surgery on cows," 19 Apr. 2018
For one, Muslims working at the FBI felt their fellow agents put them under a microscope.

— alex ward, Vox, "The media is treating Comey like a hero. He’s not one.," 13 Apr. 2018
The secondary has been under microscope so far, with three key players sidelined by injury.

— ken goe, OregonLive.com, "Coaches say effort, desire to improve are there for the Oregon State Beavers' defense," 11 Apr. 2018
His real estate empire is now under a national microscope, its every deal scrutinized for hints of federal influence.

— sharon lafraniere and katie benner, New York Times, "The Kushners Saw Redemption in the White House. It Was a Mirage.," 1 Apr. 2018
Before being placed under a microscope, samples are thinly sliced and treated with chemicals that allow researchers to identify key components more easily.

— National Geographic, "New Human 'Organ' Was Hiding in Plain Sight," 27 Mar. 2018
The kids drew scientists of all kinds: some with white coats, some peering into microscopes, some with facial hair.

— jamie ducharme, Time, "Researchers Asked Kids to ‘Draw a Scientist.’ Here's What They Came Up With," 19 Mar. 2018
In a dark room in the basement of the biomedical research building at Boston Medical Center, Jai Marathe leans over a laser scanning microscope, adjusting a plate that holds a disk of human tissue the size of a poker chip.

— zoë schlanger, Newsweek, "Plantibodies Could Pave the Road to Wellness," 15 Dec. 2014
If Golden State struggles in its first-round match-up, Green’s play—and any signs of slippage in impact or energy—will be the first thing to go under the microscope.

— ben golliver, SI.com, "The All-Bullseye Team: Five All-Stars Facing Serious Playoff Pressure," 4 Apr. 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of microscope

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1648

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

MICROSCOPE Defined for English Language Learners

microscope

noun

Definition of microscope for English Language Learners

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

MICROSCOPE Defined for Kids

microscope

noun mi·cro·scope \ ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp \

Definition of microscope for Students

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

Medical Dictionary

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