# microscope

/ˈmaɪkɹəˌskoʊp/ (US) · /mˈaɪkɹəskˌəʊp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/microscope
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. scientific instrument

noun · CEFR A2

a piece of equipment that makes very small things look much larger so you can study them.

For teachers: an optical or electronic instrument used for viewing objects that are too small to be seen by the naked eye.

- The students used a microscope to look at the tiny cells in a leaf.
- The laboratory is equipped with a high-resolution electron microscope capable of imaging structures at the molecular level.

Usage: Countable noun; often used with the verbs 'use', 'look through', or 'examine under'.

### 2. to examine closely

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical · Formal

to look at something very carefully using a microscope or as if you are using one.

For teachers: to examine an object or specimen using a microscope; also used figuratively to describe intense scrutiny.

- The scientist had to microscope the sample to find the bacteria.
- The auditor began to microscope every line of the financial report, looking for any sign of discrepancy.

Usage: Transitive verb; the figurative use is more common in journalistic or academic contexts than the literal verb.

## Examples

- The student looks through the microscope to see the cells.
- Scientists use a microscope to examine bacteria that are too small to see with the naked eye.
- Under the microscope, the intricate structure of the leaf became visible, revealing a complex network of veins and stomata that were previously hidden.

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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.