microscopic

American  

[mahy-kruh-skop-ik] / ˌmaɪ krəˈskɒp ɪk /

Also microscopical

adjective

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

   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.

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microscopic British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• microscopically adverb
• nonmicroscopic adjective
• nonmicroscopical adjective
• nonmicroscopically adverb
• unmicroscopic adjective
• unmicroscopically adverb

Etymology

Origin of microscopic

First recorded in 1670–80; microscope + -ic

Example Sentences

These microscopic machines could also assemble ultra-precise data storage systems and computing devices at the nanometer scale.

From Science Daily

To visualize microscopic asbestos fibers in talcum powder, he brought a bale of hay into a courtroom and dropped a needle into the blades.

From The Wall Street Journal

The usual explanation is that surfaces deform slightly under pressure, creating more microscopic contact points that increase resistance.

From Science Daily

And as corny as that may seem, I implore you: If you have even one microscopic iota of curiosity, see this film.

From Salon

Impact: This discovery could open the door to new malaria treatments and inspire advances in microscopic robot technology.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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