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Microscopic: meaning, definitions and examples

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microscopic

[maɪkrəˈskɒpɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

viewed through a microscope

So small as to be visible only with a microscope. Often used in a figurative sense to describe something extremely tiny or insignificant.

Synonyms

infinitesimal, minuscule, tiny.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
microscopic

Best used in scientific or medical contexts to describe objects or organisms that are so small they can only be seen with a microscope.

  • The scientist used a powerful microscope to study the microscopic bacteria.
  • Microscopic organisms play a crucial role in the ecosystem.
minuscule

Commonly used in everyday language to describe something very small in size or amount.

  • The mistakes on her test were minuscule, resulting in a nearly perfect score.
  • Despite the minuscule budget, the project was a success.
tiny

Appropriate for casual conversations to describe anything small, from objects to amounts. It is a universally understood term.

  • She has a tiny kitten that fits in the palm of her hand.
  • The house had a tiny backyard, but it was beautifully landscaped.
infinitesimal

Ideal for describing something extremely small, often used in mathematical or scientific discussions. This term is more formal and less common in everyday speech.

  • The chances of winning the lottery are infinitesimal.
  • Physicists often deal with infinitesimal quantities in their calculations.

Examples of usage

  • The bacteria were so microscopic that they could only be seen under a microscope.
  • The details of the painting were so microscopic that you needed a magnifying glass to appreciate them.
  • The microscopic organisms in the pond water were fascinating to observe.
  • The scientist discovered a new species of microscopic insect living in the rainforest.
  • Even the slightest change in temperature can have a microscopic effect on the chemical reaction.
Context #2 | Adjective

extremely detailed or precise

Involving or dealing with detailed information or events that are very specific or precise.

Synonyms

detailed, precise, thorough.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
microscopic

Useful when describing something extremely small, often at a scale that requires a microscope to see. It can also imply extreme attention to small details, usually in a scientific or highly detailed examination.

  • The scientist examined the microscopic organisms under the lens.
  • Her attention to the microscopic details made the painting appear lifelike.
detailed

Appropriate when describing something that includes many small parts or facts, providing a comprehensive or intricate amount of information. Often used for reports, plans, descriptions, or crafts that require or display a lot of careful attention.

  • The report provided a detailed analysis of the financial data.
  • She gave a detailed account of her travels through Europe.
precise

Best used to indicate exactness and accuracy. This word emphasizes correctness down to the smallest measurement or degree and is often used in scientific, technical, or mathematical contexts.

  • The recipe requires precise measurements of each ingredient.
  • The engineer's calculations were precise, ensuring the bridge's stability.
thorough

Ideal for situations requiring comprehensiveness and completeness. It suggests that all aspects of something have been considered or done by covering all the necessary details.

  • The detective conducted a thorough investigation of the crime scene.
  • She did a thorough cleaning of the entire house before the guests arrived.

Examples of usage

  • The detective conducted a microscopic examination of the crime scene to find any clues.
  • The report provided a microscopic analysis of the factors contributing to the economic downturn.
  • The artist's painting was a masterpiece of microscopic detail, capturing every nuance of the landscape.
  • His analysis of the data was so microscopic that he was able to identify the exact cause of the problem.
  • She had a microscopic memory, able to recall even the tiniest details of past events.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Greek: 'mikros' meaning 'small' and 'skopein' meaning 'to look or examine'.
  • It was first used in English in the late 19th century during the rise of biological sciences.
  • Related terms like 'macroscopic' refer to objects that can be seen without assistance, showcasing a direct contrast.

Science

  • Microscopic entities include bacteria, viruses, and cells, which play crucial roles in ecosystems.
  • The invention of the microscope in the 17th century revolutionized biology, allowing scientists to observe life forms previously invisible.
  • Nanotechnology operates at the microscopic scale to manipulate matter, leading to advancements in materials science and medicine.

Pop Culture

  • In films and literature, microscopic worlds are often depicted as fantastical places filled with tiny creatures, popularized in movies like 'Fantastic Voyage'.
  • Graphic novels and animations, such as 'Microscopic Monsters', explore themes of exploration and adventure in miniature realms.
  • Children’s educational shows often introduce concepts of microbiology to inspire future scientists.

Psychology

  • The term 'microscopic' is sometimes used metaphorically in psychology to discuss the deep analysis of small behaviors or thoughts.
  • Research in micro-expressions studies tiny facial movements that reveal our true emotions, an important aspect of non-verbal communication.
  • Focusing too much on microscopic details can lead to anxiety, as it may prevent individuals from seeing the bigger picture.

Technology

  • Microscopic technologies are used in various industries, from creating smaller computer chips to improving medical diagnostics.
  • The rise of smartphones has brought about a need for microscopic engineering to make devices smaller yet more powerful.
  • Advancements in microscopy techniques, like electron and laser scanning microscopy, continue to enhance our understanding of the microscopic world.

Translations

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Word Frequency Rank

At #7,400 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.