# microfilm

/ˈmaɪkɹəˌfɪɫm/ (US) · /mˈaɪkɹəʊfˌɪlm/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/microfilm
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a small roll of film that holds a tiny copy of a document or book. You use a special machine to look at the tiny images and read the text.

For teachers: a photographic film containing a series of highly reduced images of documents, books, or other materials. Typically requires a specialized reader or projector to view the content.

## Examples

- The library keeps old newspapers on microfilm.
- Before digital archives, researchers had to use a microfilm reader to access historical records stored in the basement.
- The transition from physical archives to digital databases has rendered microfilm a largely obsolete medium, though many institutions still maintain these fragile rolls for long-term preservation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.