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fine structure
noun
: microscopic structure of a biological entity or one of its parts especially as studied in preparations for the electron microscope
fine structural
adjective
Examples of fine structure in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Astronomers are eager to study the corona with a number of experiments, including high-altitude research planes, to better understand fine structures within it and why the corona is millions of degrees hotter than the surface of the sun.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 8 Apr. 2024
While data from the Keck telescope indicate the fine structure constant was once smaller, the data from the Very Large Telescope indicates the opposite, that the fine structure constant was once larger.
—Joseph Calamia, Discover Magazine, 19 Nov. 2019
The extra pressure on the dark matter from the quantum effect also inhibits fine structures in dark matter, resulting in a fuzzy appearance.
—Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 20 June 2023
Structural frames inspired by the fine structure of bird bones could create lightweight lattices of tubes, with varying sizes reflecting the forces acting upon them.
—James Rose, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2023
See all Example Sentences for fine structure
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fine structure.' 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
1867, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near fine structure
Cite this Entry
“Fine structure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fine%20structure. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
fine structure
noun
: microscopic structure of a biological entity or one of its parts especially as studied in preparations for the electron microscope
fine structural
adjective
More from Merriam-Webster on fine structure
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fine structure
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