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
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Examples of microscope in a Sentence
Students viewed the crystals through a microscope.
Recent Examples of microscope from the Web
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A look under the microscope showed that fibrils bind to sperm cells, immobilizing them.
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Just as the microscope revealed the cell, these researchers are crafting tools that will allow insight into the how neural networks make decisions.
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The issue has been under the microscope for three decades.
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An Israeli journalist puts the life of Benjamin Netanyahu, now in his fourth term as prime minister of Israel, under the microscope.
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Leeuwenhoek’s microscope was the necessary next step.
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Even discounting the Bachelor in Paradise scandal, the Bachelor franchise has found itself under the microscope in recent years.
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The direct and indirect challenges put the young players under the microscope of scouts and teams, who watch them closely at games and events throughout the year with junior and college teams.
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Still, Poroshenko's visit will remain under the microscope.
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
MICROSCOPE Defined for English Language Learners
microscope
playDefinition of microscope for English Language Learners
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: 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
playDefinition 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
playMedical 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
Illustration of microscope
Learn More about microscope
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See words that rhyme with microscope Spanish Central: Translation of microscope Nglish: Translation of microscope for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of microscope for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about microscope
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