microscope

noun

mi·​cro·​scope ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp 

1

: an optical instrument consisting of a lens or combination of lenses for making enlarged images of minute objects

especially : compound microscope

2

: a non-optical instrument (such as one using radiations other than light or using vibrations) for making enlarged images of minute objects

an acoustic microscope

Examples of microscope in a Sentence

Students viewed the crystals through a microscope.

Recent Examples on the Web

JonBenét's mother, Patsy, and father, John Ramsey, as well as her half-brother John Andrew and brother Burke Ramsey, were all put under a microscope by investigators as well as the public in the search for answers about her death. —Jessica Sager, People.com, 24 Nov. 2024

English scientist Robert Hooke discovered cells in 1665, looking at cork under a microscope. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024

With violet in mind, Getty’s conservators examined the painting with a stereo microscope to glimpse fine details. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024

Payne was still feeling the aftershocks of life under the 1D microscope as well. —August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin microscopium, from micr- + -scopium -scope

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing microscope

• atomic force microscope
• compound microscope
• dark-field microscope
• dissecting microscope
• electron microscope
• phase-contrast microscope
• put under the microscope
• scanning electron microscope
• scanning tunneling microscope
• under a/the microscope

Kids Definition

microscope

noun

mi·​cro·​scope ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp 

1

: an optical instrument consisting of a lens or a combination of lenses for making enlarged or magnified images of minute objects

2

: an instrument using radiation other than light for making enlarged images of very small objects

Medical Definition

microscope

noun

mi·​cro·​scope ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp 

1

: an optical instrument consisting of a lens or combination of lenses for making enlarged images of minute objects

especially : compound microscope see light microscope, phase-contrast microscope, polarizing microscope, reflecting microscope, ultraviolet microscope

2

: an instrument using radiations other than light or using vibrations for making enlarged images of minute objects

an acoustic microscope

see electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, x-ray microscope