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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And every remaining stock is under the microscope like never before, as powerful computer algorithms, analysts and portfolio managers pick them apart.
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This undated electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows human immunodeficiency virus particles (virions).
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All of the photos show images seen through a light microscope.
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Bott found a clue to cribellate silk’s powers by breaking out a powerful microscope.
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Vodyanoy has used his own patented microscope system to confirm the existence of a new vascular system in the human body: the primo-vascular system.
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There would be no explanation for the Departure, just an empathetic microscope on the survivors.
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Willard Wigan creates his artworks under a microscope with several hundred times magnification.
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Research satellites observe it from above, as if the Earth were under a 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
First Known Use: 1648
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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