microscopic

[ mahy-kruh-skop-ik ]

adjective

1. so small as to be invisible or indistinct without the use of the microscope: Compare macroscopic.

   microscopic organisms.

2. very small; tiny.
3. of, relating to, or involving a microscope:

   microscopic investigation.

4. very detailed; meticulous:

   a microscopic view of society.

5. suggestive of the precise use of the microscope; minute:

   microscopic exactness.

microscopic

/ ˌmaɪkrəˈskɒpɪk /

adjective

1. not large enough to be seen with the naked eye but visible under a microscope Compare macroscopic
2. very small; minute
3. of, concerned with, or using a microscope
4. characterized by or done with great attention to detail

Derived Forms

• ˌmicroˈscopically, adverb

Other Words From

• micro·scopi·cal·ly adverb
• nonmi·cro·scopic adjective
• nonmi·cro·scopi·cal adjective
• nonmi·cro·scopi·cal·ly adverb
• unmi·cro·scopic adjective
• unmi·cro·scopi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of microscopic¹

First recorded in 1670–80; microscope + -ic

Example Sentences

Sometimes, as in the entrancing microscopic world of watch repair, it’s just fingertips.

From Los Angeles Times

The powder was designed to trap the greenhouse gas in its microscopic pores, then release it when it’s ready to be squirreled away someplace where it can’t contribute to global warming.

From Los Angeles Times

“Chris Brown you don’t know us yet… but my wife and I will be those two microscopic fans in the stands singing and dancing to every jam!!!!” said another.

From BBC

Scientists say microscopic black holes could explain the elusive “dark matter” that makes up a quarter of all matter in the universe.

From Los Angeles Times

The wiring diagram was made by slicing up a fly brain using what is essentially a microscopic cheese grater, photographing each of the 7,000 slices and digitally putting them altogether.

From BBC

Related Words

• atomic
• imperceptible
• infinitesimal
• invisible
• minuscule
• negligible
• teeny