submicroscopic

[ suhb-mahy-kruh-skop-ik ]

adjective

1. too small to be seen through a microscope.

submicroscopic

/ ˌsʌbmaɪkrəˈskɒpɪk /

adjective

1. too small to be seen through an optical microscope

Derived Forms

• ˌsubmicroˈscopically, adverb

Other Words From

• submi·cro·scopi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of submicroscopic¹

sub- + microscopic

Example Sentences

Very few, if any, higher life forms existed that did not have some sort of submicroscopic parasite afflicting them.

From Project Gutenberg

In any case, a microscope would have done Brown little good in trying to detect the submicroscopic beings of the Rell.

From Project Gutenberg

These colloid substances have a submicroscopic or micellian structure; they are web-like, porous and absorb water eagerly.

From Project Gutenberg