microscopic
[ˌmaɪkɹəˈskɑpɪk]
An object or situation that's microscopic is too small for us to see with our eyes alone.
When we talk about something being microscopic, we usually mean it's smaller than what we can see without a special tool like a microscope. For example, if you're studying biology in school, your teacher might show you pictures of tiny cells and say they're microscopic. This means the cells are so small that only a microscope can help us see them clearly. We also use this word when talking about things that are too tiny to see with our naked eye, like dust particles or certain types of bacteria.
How common is "microscopic"?
Word microscopic is considered uncommon in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
Definitions
adjective
Of, or relating to microscopes or microscopy; microscopal
Example: We supply all microscopic stains and other materials.
macroscopic
Real examples of "microscopic" in context
