microscope

noun mi·cro·scope \ ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp \

|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

Examples: microscope in a Sentence

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

In many cancers canine and human tumors areindistinguishable under a microscope.

— keridwen cornelius, Scientific American, "A Shot against Cancer Slated for Testing in Massive Dog Study," 7 June 2018
The utility has been under a microscope since Aug. 5, when heavy rains caused widespread flooding in New Orleans and brought renewed attention to problems with drainage and power-generation equipment.

— beau evans, NOLA.com, "Sewerage & Water Board prepped for hurricane season with meteorologist, real-time monitoring," 4 June 2018
But if going after Weinstein would put any prosecutor under a microscope, Vance is already there.

— Washington Post, "Under scrutiny, Weinstein prosecutor has a case to prove," 29 May 2018
Margie Stuchlak of Dyer watched closely as her daughter Ella, 5 1/2, focused on a wiggling earthworm under a microscope.

— sue ellen ross, Post-Tribune, "Challenger Learning Center opens doors for kids to explore to the cosmos," 25 May 2018
Meghan finally addressed the reports, but since the soon-to-be royal is under a microscope, the public immediately dissected every single word of her statement.

— eileen reslen, Good Housekeeping, "Meghan Markle's Statement About Her Father Is Causing an Uproar," 17 May 2018
But when Perez called out White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson nearly two weeks ago for enjoying himself too much after homering off Eric Skoglund, Perez was thrust under a microscope.

— maria torres, kansascity, "Sal Perez was mocked for turning into 'fun police.' But what he did worked for Royals | The Kansas City Star," 10 May 2018
Under a microscope, the shape of the two lines reveals quick motions made in rapid succession.

— kiona n. smith, Ars Technica, "Neanderthals etched a message on this 36,000-year-old stone tool," 3 May 2018
The two artists share an interest in life forms, varying from those under the sea to those that can be seen only under a microscope.

— nancy shohet west, BostonGlobe.com, "Know your local farms," 26 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