scanning electron microscope

noun

: an electron microscope in which a beam of focused electrons moves across the object with the secondary electrons produced by the object and the electrons scattered by the object being collected to form a three-dimensional image on a display screen

called also scanning microscope

scanning electron microscopy noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The image, captured by a scanning electron microscope, was taken as the nanowires grew on silicon at room temperature. Discover Magazine, 2 Nov. 2016 An image of wildfire ash under a scanning electron microscope. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 14 Sep. 2020 These indestructible treasures have always been buried in matter, awaiting the invention of scanning electron microscopes and scientists with enough assiduity to spend decades on end peering into their atomic eyes. Virginia Heffernan, WIRED, 21 Mar. 2023 Images taken by a scanning electron microscope show the capillary emitters used in the electrospray system. Kate Murphy, IEEE Spectrum, 7 Sep. 2021 Under a scanning electron microscope, the pollen grains—which resembled inflated arrowheads—were reminiscent of pollen from tiny trees and shrubs in Asia that belong to the genus Symplocos. Jack Tamisiea, Scientific American, 12 Jan. 2023 The team began by inspecting the appendages of the shrimp with a scanning electron microscope . Joseph Castro, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2011 After polishing the block with toothpaste and a damp leather cloth, Sadowski studied the flower under a scanning electron microscope. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Jan. 2023 The following snow crystals were photographed using a low-temperature scanning electron microscope (LT-SEM), which is located in the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Maryland. Discover Magazine, 3 Feb. 2015 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scanning electron microscope.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scanning electron microscope was in 1953

Dictionary Entries Near scanning electron microscope

Cite this Entry

“Scanning electron microscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scanning%20electron%20microscope. Accessed 6 Jun. 2023.

Medical Definition

scanning electron microscope

noun
: an electron microscope in which a beam of focused electrons moves across the object with the secondary electrons produced by the object and the electrons scattered by the object being collected to form a three-dimensional image on a display screen

called also scanning microscope

compare transmission electron microscope
scanning electron microscopy noun

More from Merriam-Webster on scanning electron microscope

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