n 1  :  an optical instrument consisting of a lens or combination of lenses for making enlarged images of minute objects : esp  :  COMPOUND MICROSCOPE - see LIGHT MICROSCOPE PHASE-CONTRAST MICROSCOPE POLARIZING MICROSCOPE REFLECTING MICROSCOPE ULTRAVIOLET MICROSCOPE   2  :  an instrument using radiations other than light or using vibrations for making enlarged images of minute objects <an acoustic >  - see ELECTRON MICROSCOPE SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE X-RAY MICROSCOPE  .
 
 
 
Similar sounding terms:  mi·cros·co·py 
 
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