microscope
A scientific tool used to see very small objects that are not visible to the naked eye. It uses special lenses to make tiny things like cells or bacteria look much larger.
Examples
3 of 5I used a microscope in my science class to look at a leaf.
I used a microscope in my science class to look at a leaf.
The researcher utilized a high-resolution microscope to examine the specimen.
The researcher utilized a high-resolution microscope to examine the specimen.
Let's put this bug under the microscope and see what it looks like!
Let's put this bug under the microscope and see what it looks like!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Remember: 'Micro' means small and 'Scope' means to see. A microscope helps you see small things.
Quick Quiz
The biology student put a drop of water on a slide to look at it through the _______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: microscope
Examples
I used a microscope in my science class to look at a leaf.
everydayI used a microscope in my science class to look at a leaf.
The researcher utilized a high-resolution microscope to examine the specimen.
formalThe researcher utilized a high-resolution microscope to examine the specimen.
Let's put this bug under the microscope and see what it looks like!
informalLet's put this bug under the microscope and see what it looks like!
Advancements in electron microscopes have allowed scientists to observe individual atoms.
academicAdvancements in electron microscopes have allowed scientists to observe individual atoms.
The laboratory budget includes the purchase of two new compound microscopes.
businessThe laboratory budget includes the purchase of two new compound microscopes.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
under the microscope
being examined very carefully or scrutinized
compound microscope
a microscope that uses multiple lenses
binocular microscope
a microscope with two eyepieces
Often Confused With
A microscope makes small things look bigger, while a telescope makes distant things look closer.
Usage Notes
Use 'under the microscope' when something is physically placed on the slide for viewing, or figuratively when a person or plan is being judged strictly.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to use the article 'a' or 'the' because they treat it as a general category rather than a countable object.
Memory Tip
Remember: 'Micro' means small and 'Scope' means to see. A microscope helps you see small things.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek words 'mikros' (small) and 'skopein' (to look at).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The microscope is a universal symbol of scientific progress and the medical field.
Quick Quiz
The biology student put a drop of water on a slide to look at it through the _______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: microscope
Related Vocabulary
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