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

Belichick’s relationship with Jordon Hudson has been placed under the microscope and it has been picked apart routinely since the disastrous interview with CBS. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2025

Your social life will also be under the microscope with Pluto retrograde in Aquarius — activating your 11th house of associations and community affairs — forcing you to reflect on your friendships and group dynamics. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 May 2025

McDaniel’s credibility was under a microscope, but the sight of a parade of anchors lambasting employers and managers was an eyebrow-raiser to put things mildly. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025

Much like the microscope and telescope revealed hidden realms of our inner and outer worlds, new technologies are unveiling messages beyond the reach of the human senses. —David Gruber, Time, 24 Apr. 2025

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