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

These are perfect negatives of the original objects, sometimes so detailed that the outlines of wood cells are visible under a microscope. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2026

Looking through his microscope, Kubelka counted cells as part of a study of neuromuscular diseases. — Deepa Fernandes, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026

Looking through small microscopes implanted in the mice’s heads, Patel’s team zoomed in on a particular subset of brain cells, called somatostatin neurons, as the animals reacted to the fox urine scent. — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2026

Patel’s relationship with Wilkins has been under the microscope in recent years. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

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