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microtome

noun
mi·​cro·​tome | \ˈmī-krə-ˌtōm \

Definition of microtome 

: an instrument for cutting sections (as of biological tissues) for microscopic examination

Examples of microtome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 As a journalist and novelist, Tom Wolfe could, like no one else, take one particular broad subject — class and status — and slice it thin for examination and diagnosis, like a pathologist with a microtome. — Christopher Bonanos, Daily Intelligencer, "Tom Wolfe, Pioneer of New York and New Journalism, Dies at 88," 15 May 2018 Then, using a special instrument, a microtome, the technician would slice the paraffin block into ultrathin sections, about 0.0002 inches thick. — Lynne Parenti, Smithsonian, "How the Smithsonian’s Coelacanth Lost Its Brain and Got It Back Again," 14 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'microtome.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of microtome

1856, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for microtome

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Time Traveler for microtome

The first known use of microtome was in 1856

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More Definitions for microtome

microtome

noun
mi·​cro·​tome | \ˈmī-krə-ˌtōm \

Medical Definition of microtome 

(Entry 1 of 2)

: an instrument for cutting sections (as of organic tissues) for microscopic examination bone-sectioning microtomes

microtome

transitive verb
microtomed; microtoming

Medical Definition of microtome (Entry 2 of 2)

: to cut in sections with a microtome

More from Merriam-Webster on microtome

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about microtome

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