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

• caricature
• coloring
• elaboration
• embellishment
• embroidering
• embroidery
• exaggeration
• hyperbole
• overstatement
• padding
• stretching

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

Note: only select colors and magnification levels are on sale. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2024

This mirror comes in rose gold, features LED lighting, and is double-sided with 1X and 10X magnification. —Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 16 Sep. 2024

These digital binoculars can see in total darkness, have 8x magnification, and are only $99.99 (reg. —New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2024

While magnification is important, a telescope’s real strength is in its resolution, however. —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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