English · Word Candidate

microscope

/ˈmaɪ.kɹəˌskəʊp/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: microscopes · microscoping · microscoped

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An optical instrument used for observing small objects.

Noun

Examples

That he might ascertain whether any of the cloths of ancient Egypt were made of hemp, M. Dutrochet has examined with the microscope the weavable filaments of this last vegetable.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Any instrument for imaging very small objects (such as an electron microscope).

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To examine with a microscope, to put under a microscope (literally or figuratively).

Verb

Examples

It has a strong germicidal action, as can be verified by staining and microscoping the pus, the characteristic micro-organisms disappearing rapidly under its use.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “microscope” mean?

An optical instrument used for observing small objects.

Is “microscope” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.