microscope

noun

mi·​cro·​scope ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp How to pronounce microscope (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The suitability of the Monaco Grand Prix to modern Formula 1 is again under the microscope after another uneventful affair on Sunday. Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025 These questions put three players under the microscope: Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson and Robert Woods. Mike Defabo, New York Times, 22 May 2025 Given Jokic’s status as arguably the best player in the NBA, his role or lack thereof in Denver’s major personnel decisions has been under the microscope recently. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 22 May 2025 Reborn in a 2016 reboot also titled Doom, the shooter arrived in an industry that, while still often under the microscope for its content, is more secure in its standing, with more players, critics, and developers interested in exploring violence on merits. Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for microscope

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of microscope was in 1648

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Microscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microscope. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

microscope

noun
mi·​cro·​scope ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp How to pronounce microscope (audio)
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 How to pronounce microscope (audio)
1
: an optical instrument consisting of a lens or combination of lenses for making enlarged images of minute objects
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

More from Merriam-Webster on microscope

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