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
The only way to make a definitive diagnosis is to take thin slices of the brain after the person’s death and use a microscope to look for an abnormal accumulation of tau, a protein that stabilizes certain elements of the brain.
—
Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
The negligible homicide case is seen through the strongest of microscopes, bringing flashbacks of the backstory into sharp focus as questions about faith and the human psyche soon arise.
—Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
Rolling Stone has the exclusive trailer, offering a sneak peek into this gripping tale of a quiet community turned upside down and put under a microscope.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025
Under a microscope, archaeologists continued to penetrate the object, gleaning specific details that scientific analysis can reveal.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for microscope
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Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
The negligible homicide case is seen through the strongest of microscopes, bringing flashbacks of the backstory into sharp focus as questions about faith and the human psyche soon arise.
—Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
Rolling Stone has the exclusive trailer, offering a sneak peek into this gripping tale of a quiet community turned upside down and put under a microscope.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025
Under a microscope, archaeologists continued to penetrate the object, gleaning specific details that scientific analysis can reveal.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for microscope
Cite this Entry
“Microscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microscope. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
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