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

Under magnification, I could see only a bit of pink near the edges of cracks.

From The Daily Beast

He was 205-feet away, but with seven-power magnification, he appeared only 30 feet away.

From The Daily Beast

Appearance of a small portion of muscle under a moderate magnification.

From Project Gutenberg

It was visible now through the direct observation panel, without magnification.

From Project Gutenberg

He increased the magnification to maximum, and the four men looked eagerly at the system.

From Project Gutenberg

Actually, the best examination is by low-power magnification under the proper lighting.

From Project Gutenberg

The magnification constants of the various other optical combinations should be similarly made and recorded.

From Project Gutenberg