microstructure

American  

[mahy-kroh-struhk-cher] / ˈmaɪ kroʊˌstrʌk tʃər /

noun

Metallurgy.

1. the structure of a metal or alloy as observed, after etching and polishing, under a high degree of magnification.

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microstructure British  

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌstrʌktʃə /

noun

1. structure on a microscopic scale, esp the structure of an alloy as observed by etching, polishing, and observation under a microscope

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Etymology

Origin of microstructure

First recorded in 1880–85; micro- + structure

Example Sentences

Using bone histology, or the study of fossilized bone microstructure, the team analyzed this small throat bone and identified growth patterns that indicate the animal had reached or was close to full maturity.

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2026

"To show that hyoid microstructure would work to test maturity status in Nanotyrannus, we first had to compile strong support for this method across many groups of living reptiles and extinct dinosaurs," said Dr. Griffin.

From Science Daily • Dec. 9, 2025

Nonetheless, they warn that these “rotations can work for brief periods, but unless there is a structural shift in the economy, the microstructure of the equity market almost ensures such rotations will be short-lived.”

From Barron's • Nov. 19, 2025

By further developing magnetic materials with even higher anomalous Nernst coefficients through microstructure control, the team aims to apply this technology to energy conversions in electronic devices and to thermal sensing technologies.

From Science Daily • May 9, 2024

To obtain the best results in machining, the microstructure of the metal should be determined and a hardness range set that covers the variations in structure that produce good machining results.

From The Working of Steel Annealing, Heat Treating and Hardening of Carbon and Alloy Steel by Colvin, Fred H. (Fred Herbert)