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

He planned to spend the bye week studying film with microscopic focus in hopes of understanding exactly what had gone wrong.

From Los Angeles Times

The virus then acts like a microscopic postman – delivering the new piece of DNA inside brain cells, where it becomes active.

From BBC

It might not sound like much time, but when a warehouse full of computers is whirring away these microscopic delays pile up and dilute the performance needed for AI.

From BBC

Technically known as cyanobacteria, blue-green algae is a collection of microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams.

From BBC

Listeria is a microscopic bacterium often found in deli meats, hot dogs, and soft cheeses.

From Salon

Related Words

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