microscopic

adjective

mi·​cro·​scop·​ic ˌmī-krə-ˈskä-pik 

variants or less commonly microscopical

ˌmī-krə-ˈskä-pi-kəl 

1

: resembling a microscope especially in perception

2

a

: invisible or indistinguishable without the use of a microscope

b

: very small or fine or precise

3

: of, relating to, or conducted with the microscope or microscopy

microscopically

ˌmī-krə-ˈskä-pi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• atomic
• bitsy
• bitty
• infinitesimal
• itty-bitty
• itsy-bitsy
• little bitty
• microminiature
• miniature
• minuscule
• minute
• teensy
• teensy-weensy
• teeny
• teeny-weeny
• tiny
• wee
• weeny
• weensy

Examples of microscopic in a Sentence

At this point, the embryo is a microscopic clump of only 100 cells.

There is a microscopic crack in the diamond.

He has a microscopic attention span.

He recorded every aspect of his trip in microscopic detail.

a microscopic study of plant tissues

Recent Examples on the Web

Heavy metal poisoning occurs when microscopic molecules of metals — like lead, mercury and arsenic — accumulate within your body after exposure, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning include abdominal pain, chills, dehydration, feeling weak, and nausea or vomiting. —Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 15 Sep. 2023

Now imagine these items being covered in microscopic fecal matter and just try not to gag. —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2023

On the call, McKee gently shared the diagnosis: Myers had had stage 1 CTE, characterized by one to three microscopic lesions. —Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2023

But many marine biologists are worried about a much smaller—in fact, microscopic—threat. —Maryn McKenna, WIRED, 6 Sep. 2023

Weather modification, also known as cloud seeding, involves injecting microscopic particles of silver iodide into the atmosphere to prompt snow and rain, easing severe droughts. —The Week Staff, The Week, 4 Sep. 2023

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), people can get valley fever by breathing in microscopic fungal spores from the air. —Abigail Celaya, The Arizona Republic, 4 Sep. 2023

Notice the microscopic structure of the granules of sand layered into the acrylic paint. —Helmuth Rosales, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2023

Papers published in respected medical journals document techniques for boosting the energy levels of these microscopic defenders and also for helping them more effectively detect and destroy cancer cells capable of evading standard immune system scrutiny. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Sep. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

circa 1672, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

microscopic

adjective

mi·​cro·​scop·​ic ˌmī-krə-ˈskäp-ik 

variants also microscopical

-ˈskäp-i-kəl 

1

: of, relating to, or conducted with the microscope or microscopy

a microscopic examination

2

: resembling a microscope : able to see very tiny objects

some insects have microscopic vision

3

: able to be seen only through a microscope : very small

a microscopic plant

microscopically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

microscopic

adjective

mi·​cro·​scop·​ic ˌmī-krə-ˈskäp-ik 

variants or microscopical

-i-kəl 

1

: of, relating to, or conducted with the microscope or microscopy

2

: so small or fine as to be invisible or indistinguishable without the use of a microscope compare macroscopic, submicroscopic, ultramicroscopic sense 1

microscopically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb