microscope

[mahy-kruh-skohp]

noun

1. an optical instrument having a magnifying lens or a combination of lenses for inspecting objects too small to be seen or too small to be seen distinctly and in detail by the unaided eye.

2. Astronomy.,  Microscope, the constellation Microscopium.

microscope

/ ˈmaɪkrəˌskəʊp /

noun

1. an optical instrument that uses a lens or combination of lenses to produce a magnified image of a small, close object. Modern optical microscopes have magnifications of about 1500 to 2000 See also simple microscope compound microscope ultramicroscope

2. any instrument, such as the electron microscope, for producing a magnified visual image of a small object

microscope

1. Any of various instruments used to magnify small objects that are difficult or impossible to observe the naked eye.

2. ◆ Optical microscopes use light reflected from or passed through the sample being observed to form a magnified image of the object, refracting the light with an arrangement of lenses and mirrors similar to those found in telescopes.

3. See also atomic force microscope electron microscope field ion microscope

microscope

1. A device that produces a magnified image of objects too small to be seen with the naked eye. Such objects are thus called “microscopic.” The microscope is widely used in medicine and biology. Common microscopes use lenses; others, such as electron microscopes, scan an object with electrons, x-rays, and other radiation besides ordinary visible light.

Word History and Origins

Origin of microscope¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from New Latin mīcroscopium; micro-, -scope

Example Sentences

With the case already under a microscope, the release of the audio file created yet another roller coaster of speculation and doubt.

From Los Angeles Times

One rider, though - if they do not improve and United look as lost and hopeless as they did under Amorim at stages last season, he will swiftly be under a very unforgiving microscope.

From BBC

Mamta spoke about different acids, explaining that distinctions could be made using an electron microscope - something not possible in a post-mortem room.

From BBC

Carr, in one of his first moves as chairman, separately opened an FCC inquiry into alleged news distortion with the “60 Minutes” Harris interview — putting CBS uncomfortably under the microscope.

From Los Angeles Times

Under the microscope, she was able to see the thousands of eggs collected in red sacks inside one of the shells.

From Los Angeles Times