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magnification
noun
mag·ni·fi·ca·tion
ˌmag-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən
1
: the act of magnifying
2
a
: the state of being magnified
b
: the apparent enlargement of an object by an optical instrument
called also power
Synonyms
Examples of magnification in a Sentence
We used a microscope to examine the cells under magnification.
At higher magnifications the differences between the cells become clear.
Recent Examples on the Web
For looking at the night sky, choose at least 10x42, preferably 10x50, which keeps the magnification low enough to easily navigate the night sky while allowing enough light in at night.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2025
The strong gravitational magnification enabled astronomers to detect faint background sources and study their internal structures, which can lead to identifying individual stars in distant galaxies, according to the paper.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 6 Jan. 2025
As high a magnification as possible may seem logical for looking at tiny objects in the night sky, but beware.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2025
Neither of these particularly needs high magnification.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for magnification
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Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of magnification was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near magnification
Cite this Entry
“Magnification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnification. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
magnification
noun
mag·ni·fi·ca·tion
ˌmag-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən
1
: the act of magnifying
2
a
: the state of being magnified
b
: the apparent enlargement of an object by an optical instrument
called also power
Medical Definition
magnification
noun
mag·ni·fi·ca·tion
ˌmag-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən
1
: the act of magnifying
2
a
: the state of being magnified
b
: the apparent enlargement of an object by an optical instrument that is the ratio of the dimensions of an image formed by the instrument to the corresponding dimensions of the object
called also power
More from Merriam-Webster on magnification
Nglish: Translation of magnification for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about magnification
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