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

On the other hand, Pap smears, also known as Pap tests, involve collecting and examining cervical cells under a microscope to detect abnormal changes in their appearance, such as cells that are already precancerous or cancerous. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 16 Aug. 2024

Follow the money: UC San Francisco is receiving over $15 million to aid efforts to develop new microscopes and other tools that can identify microscopic cancer remnants inside the patient and help the surgeon remove all remaining cancer cells. —Shawna Chen, Axios, 15 Aug. 2024

Despite the relatively crude microscopes of the era, Wagner and Valentin were able to discern tiny structures within the nuclei of neuronal cells. —Trevor Grandpre, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2024

Although rare for folliculitis, a provider may examine a small skin sample under a microscope. —Casey Gallagher, Health, 15 Aug. 2024

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

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