microscope

noun

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

Mitch McConnell's family tree goes under a microscope. — Ashley Shaffer, USA TODAY, "The Earth cracked wide open in California," 9 July 2019 Under a microscope, Bourbon virus is a shape-shifter, sometimes long and filamentous, sometimes a sphere studded with spiky proteins, encapsulating a string of segmented genetic code. — Megan Molteni, WIRED, "The Meat-Allergy Tick Also Carries a Mystery Killer Virus," 8 July 2019 The sudden decision to drop charges against Mr. Smollett and Ms. Foxx’s ambiguous separation from the case has put the state’s attorney and her office under a microscope for several months. — Robert Chiarito, New York Times, "Jussie Smollett Case to Be Investigated by Special Prosecutor," 21 June 2019 Once taken in hand and placed under a microscope each meteorite is revelatory. — Barry Lopez, Harper's magazine, "Polar Light," 10 Jan. 2019 This isn't the first or even the second time Claire's has come under the microscope; in 2017, after a Rhode Island mom sent her daughter's glitter makeup for independent lab testing, the store recalled nine makeup products. — Thatiana Diaz, refinery29.com, "JoJo Siwa's Makeup Kit At Claire's Was Recalled For Containing Asbestos," 10 June 2019 But one has landed on the beach recently that deserves to go under the microscope. — Daniel Henninger, WSJ, "Jerry Nadler’s ‘Dictator’," 15 May 2019 Kavanaugh's years working for independent counsel Ken Starr are also under the microscope. — Brian Flood, Fox News, "Media's biggest Kavanaugh misses: Aspiring hit pieces on Supreme Court pick draw mockery," 21 Aug. 2018 Khashoggi’s disappearance has put Saudi Arabia and MBS under the microscope. — Emily Stewart, Vox, "NYTimes report shows how Twitter, McKinsey were complicit in helping Saudi Arabia silence critics," 20 Oct. 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.

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Last Updated

14 Jul 2019

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Time Traveler for microscope

The first known use of microscope was in 1648

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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