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

Time Traveler
The first known use of fine structure was in 1867

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

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