microscopic
my-kruh-SKOP-ik
/ˌmaɪkrəˈskɒpɪk/
So small as to be visible only with a microscope.
In technical contexts, it refers to the micrometer scale (10⁻⁶), which is much larger than the nanoscale.
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'mikros' (small) and 'skopein' (to look). The word entered English in the 17th century shortly after the invention of the first compound microscopes.
Word relationships
- infinitesimal: Infinitesimal implies something so small it's almost zero; microscopic is a specific size range.
- minuscule: Minuscule is a general word for very small; microscopic is more scientific.
- macroscopic: Visible to the naked eye.
Commonly confused with
- nanoscale: Microscopic is small; nanoscale is a thousand times smaller.
Word family
- microscope (noun): An instrument used to see very small objects.
- microscopy (noun): The use of a microscope.
Collocations
- microscopic detail
- microscopic examination
- microscopic organism
Example sentences
- "Microscopic organisms like bacteria can be found in almost every environment on Earth." A biology lesson on bacteria.
- "The engineer found a microscopic crack in the metal that could lead to structural failure." Describing a small flaw in a material.
Memory hook
Think of a 'Micro' (small) 'Scope' (view) — something you need a scope to see. Needs a microscope.
When not to use
Do not use when you specifically mean 'nanoscale' (10⁻⁹); using 'microscopic' for atoms is technically incorrect.
Fun facts
- The first person to see microscopic life was Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, who called the bacteria he saw 'animalcules'.
Explore more words
trace, microscope, imperceptible, microplastic, particulate, microbial
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