microtome

[ mahy-kruh-tohm ]

noun

1. an instrument for cutting very thin sections, as of organic tissue, for microscopic examination.

microtome

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌtəʊm /

noun

1. an instrument used for cutting thin sections, esp of biological material, for microscopical examination

Other Words From

• mi·cro·tom·ic [mahy-kr, uh, -, tom, -ik], adjective
• mi·croto·mist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of microtome¹

First recorded in 1855–60; micro- + -tome

Example Sentences

Embryonic tissue was too delicate to withstand pressure from the clasp of a microtome.

From Scientific American

King George III commissioned him to make an elaborate instrument for recording atmospheric pressure, and he pioneered the microtome, a device for cutting ultra-fine slivers of wood for microscopic analysis.

From BBC

Next, they used a machine called a microtome to cut the brain into 7,400 ultra-thin slices, each just 20 micrometers thick.

From The Guardian

After hardening, sections were obtained of the paint film by means of a microtome.

From Project Gutenberg

The two former microtomes are provided with an automatic feed attachement.

From Project Gutenberg