compound microscope

American  

noun

1. an optical instrument for forming magnified images of small objects, consisting of an objective lens with a very short focal length and an eyepiece with a longer focal length, both lenses mounted in the same tube.

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compound microscope British  

noun

1. an instrument for magnifying small objects, consisting of a lens of short focal length for forming an image that is further magnified by a second lens of longer focal length Compare simple microscope

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Etymology

Origin of compound microscope

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Galileo had his telescope, Louis Pasteur had a compound microscope and American scientists today have … the treadmill?

From Washington Times • Dec. 31, 2023

When processed properly, scientists like Lackmann can examine the otolith with a compound microscope and count the layers, like the rings on a tree, and learn the age of the fish.

From Science Daily • Oct. 30, 2023

Figure 26.16 A compound microscope composed of two lenses, an objective and an eyepiece.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

The kind of compound microscope to be purchased will depend upon the nature of the work of the investigator.

From Directions for Collecting and Preserving Insects by Riley, C. V.

The Lens and Microscope.—In the examination of the minuter forms of insect life the naked eye is not sufficient, and a hand-lens, or, for more delicate work, the compound microscope will be found necessary.

From Directions for Collecting and Preserving Insects by Riley, C. V.