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

Progressive lenses change magnification gradually from the top to the bottom rather than there being a visible line between the different powers. —Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2024

There are now three different variations of the paper product, with 140 times magnification as the base, 340 times for older students and researchers, and as of this year a mini with 50 times magnification for kids as young as 4 or 5. —Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 24 Nov. 2024

Among the debuts on display were Gaut’s seven exclusive prints capturing Mexico City’s architectural moments in sculptural magnifications. —Mel Studach, Architectural Digest, 20 Nov. 2024

Here's what that means: The number 8 refers to the magnification power. —Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 6 Oct. 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