microtome

[ mahy-kruh-tohm ]

noun

1. an instrument for cutting very thin sections, as of organic tissue, for microscopic examination.

microtome

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌtəʊm /

noun

1. an instrument used for cutting thin sections, esp of biological material, for microscopical examination

Other Words From

• mi·cro·tom·ic [mahy-kr, uh, -, tom, -ik], adjective
• mi·croto·mist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of microtome¹

First recorded in 1855–60; micro- + -tome

Example Sentences

Transfer block to plate of freezing microtome and freeze with carbon dioxide vapour.

From Project Gutenberg

An instrument which will cut a blood corpuscle into several parts—that's the Microtome, the "small-cutter," as the name implies.

From Project Gutenberg

The demonstrator turned, walked slowly back past the microtome, and left the laboratory by the preparation-room door.

From Project Gutenberg

H—— has lent me a hand microtome and I have borrowed an old razor.

From Project Gutenberg

My hunting knife, honed as fine as the edge of a microtome blade.

From Project Gutenberg