magnification

[ mag-nuh-fi-key-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of magnifying or the state of being magnified.
2. the power to magnify. Compare power ( def 20a ).
3. a magnified image, drawing, copy, etc.

magnification

/ ˌmæɡnɪfɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of magnifying or the state of being magnified
2. the degree to which something is magnified
3. a copy, photograph, drawing, etc, of something magnified
4. a measure of the ability of a lens or other optical instrument to magnify, expressed as the ratio of the size of the image to that of the object

Other Words From

• over·magni·fi·cation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnification¹

First recorded in 1615–25, magnification is from the Late Latin word magnificātiōn- (stem of magnificātiō ). See magnify, -fication

Example Sentences

The region of the highest cone density lies within the foveae, allowing the birds to clearly perceive distant objects through magnification.

From Science Daily

Lenses with different curvatures will change the magnification of the telescope.

From National Geographic Kids

Magnification of common filters used in the home shows that, while they look like a solid piece of material with uniform holes, they are actually composed of millions of randomly oriented tiny voids that allow small particles to pass through.

From Science Daily

"When the muscle contracts, all the force is converted into movement in that direction. It's a huge magnification."

From Science Daily

By comparing the apparent positions of the holes as viewed by the optical microscope with the actual positions, the researchers assessed errors from magnification calibration and image distortion of the optical microscope.

From Science Daily