nanoscale

American  

[nan-uh-skeyl, ney-nuh-] / ˈnæn əˌskeɪl, ˈneɪ nə- /

adjective

1. of or relating to microscopic particles of matter, devices, etc., that are measured in nanometers or microns.

   a nanoscale sensor made of a single molecule.

---

noun

1. Measurements. a scale of measurement that uses nanometers or microns as units of measure.

nanoscale Scientific  

/ năn′ə-skāl′ /

1. Relating to or occurring on a scale of nanometers.

---

Etymology

Origin of nanoscale

First recorded in 1980–85; nano- + scale ²

Example Sentences

By applying principles from larger-scale robotics such as rigid, compliant and origami robots, scientists are adapting familiar mechanical concepts to the nanoscale.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

More broadly, it shows that shaping empty space can be just as important as selecting the right material when designing nanoscale light-matter interactions.

From Science Daily • Mar. 24, 2026

Ph.D., who led the effort with collaborators, showed that DoriVac can precisely present immune-stimulating adjuvant molecules to cells at the nanoscale.

From Science Daily • Mar. 17, 2026

"Because of their stability and extremely small size, these vortices offer a new route to controlling magnetism at the nanoscale and provide insight into universal topological physics in two-dimensional systems."

From Science Daily • Mar. 7, 2026

By demonstrating that nanoscale structure directly influences immune potency, this research offers a framework for improving therapeutic cancer vaccines using existing components.

From Science Daily • Feb. 18, 2026