microscope

mi·cro·scope   (mī'krə-skōp')    n.   An optical instrument that uses a lens or a combination of lenses to produce magnified images of small objects, especially of objects too small to be seen by the unaided eye. An instrument, such as an electron microscope, that uses electronic or other processes to magnify objects.

microscope

A device that produces a magnified image of objects too small to be seen with the naked eye. Such objects are thus called “microscopic.” The microscope is widely used in medicine and biology. Common microscopes use lenses; others, such as electron microscopes, scan an object with electrons, x-rays, and other radiation besides ordinary visible light.

microscope 

Main Entry: mi·cro·scope
Pronunciation: 'mI-kr&-"skOp
Function: noun
1 : an optical instrument consisting of a lens or combinationof lenses for making enlarged images of minute objects; especially : COMPOUND MICROSCOPE —seeLIGHT MICROSCOPE, PHASE-CONTRASTMICROSCOPE POLARIZING MICROSCOPE, REFLECTING MICROSCOPE, ULTRAVIOLET MICROSCOPE
2 : an instrument usingradiations other than light or using vibrations for making enlarged images of minute objects microscope> —see ELECTRON MICROSCOPE, SCANNING ELECTRONMICROSCOPE, X-RAY MICROSCOPE

microscope mi·cro·scope (mī'krə-skōp')
n.

1. An optical instrument that uses a lens or a combination of lenses to produce magnified images of small objects, especially of objects too small to be seen by the unaided eye.

2. An instrument, such as an electron microscope, that uses electronic, acoustic, or other processes to magnify objects.

microscope   (mī'krə-skōp')  Pronunciation Key  Any of various instruments used to magnify small objects that are difficult or impossible to observe the naked eye. ◇ Optical microscopes use light reflected from or passed through the sample being observed to form a magnified image of the object, refracting the light with an arrangement of lenses and mirrors similar to those found in telescopes. See also atomic force microscope, electron microscope, field ion microscope.