microscope

/'maikrəskoup/

Thân thiện

The student looks through a microscope in science class.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An optical instrument used for viewing very small objects: A device that uses lenses to magnify the image of tiny items, making them visible to the human eye. It is a fundamental tool in scientific fields like biology and materials science.
   • A means of detailed scrutiny: Figuratively, anything that allows for extremely close and detailed examination of a subject.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The biologist examined the bacteria under a powerful microscope.
  • The invention of the microscope revolutionized our understanding of life.
  • In this scandal, every aspect of the CEO's life was placed under the microscope.

Advanced Usage

• "under the microscope": Being subjected to intense scrutiny or examination.
  • The company's financial practices are under the microscope following the audit.
• "put/place something under the microscope": To examine something in minute detail.
  • The researcher placed the new theory under the microscope, testing every possible variable.

Variants and Related Words

• Microscopic (adj): 1. So small as to be visible only with a microscope. 2. Relating to a microscope. 3. Extremely detailed and thorough.
  • Microscopic organisms live in the pond water.
  • She conducted a microscopic analysis of the data.
• Microscopy (n): The use of or investigation with a microscope.
  • Electron microscopy allows scientists to see structures at the atomic level.

Synonyms

• Magnifier: A device that makes objects appear larger.
• Lens: (In the context of providing a means of close inspection, though not a direct synonym for the instrument itself).

Related Phrases

• "a microscope on something": A situation involving intense focus on a particular issue.
  • The documentary turned a microscope on the challenges of urban poverty.

Related Idioms

• "see something through a microscope": To have an extremely narrow or overly detailed focus on something, potentially missing the bigger picture.
  • By focusing only on minor errors, he was seeing the project through a microscope.

Học thuật

Noun

1. magnifier of the image of small objects
   • the invention of the microscope led to the discovery of the cell