microscopic

Also mi·cro·scop·i·cal

[mahy-kruh-skop-ik]

adjective

1. so small as to be invisible or indistinct without the use of the microscope.

   microscopic organisms.

2. very small; tiny.

3. of, relating to, or involving a microscope.

   microscopic investigation.

4. very detailed; meticulous.

   a microscopic view of society.

5. suggestive of the precise use of the microscope; minute.

   microscopic exactness.

microscopic

/ ˌmaɪkrəˈskɒpɪk /

adjective

1. not large enough to be seen with the naked eye but visible under a microscope Compare macroscopic

2. very small; minute

3. of, concerned with, or using a microscope

4. characterized by or done with great attention to detail

Other Word Forms

• microscopically adverb
• nonmicroscopic adjective
• nonmicroscopical adjective
• nonmicroscopically adverb
• unmicroscopic adjective
• unmicroscopically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of microscopic¹

First recorded in 1670–80; microscope + -ic

Example Sentences

"It links events on the microscopic scale to major thrust earthquakes on a scale of hundreds of kilometers," Watkins said.

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Developed by the Lumière brothers, the miraculous process involved a glass plate dusted with potato-starch granules, microscopic in size, dyed red-orange, green and blue-violet.

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Professor Gilbert explained that creating a conservation framework for microscopic life comes with complex scientific and conceptual barriers.

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These microscopic signatures are widely recognized by geologists as a hallmark of an impact event.

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Rerouting these microscopic signals without weakening them requires carefully engineered materials.

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Related Words

• atomic 
• imperceptible 
• infinitesimal 
• invisible 
• minuscule 
• negligible 
• teeny