microscope
UK: ˈmaɪ.krə.skəʊp | US: ˈmaɪ.krə.skoʊp
n. an optical instrument used to magnify tiny objects, making them visible to the human eye.
microscope = micro<small> + scope<viewing instrument>
- micro: From Greek mikros (small). In modern usage, it denotes things of极小 scale (e.g., microbe, microchip).
- scope: From Greek skopein (to look, examine). Now refers to instruments for observation (e.g., telescope, endoscope).
Etymology Origin:
Coined in the 17th century during the Scientific Revolution, microscope combines Greek roots to describe a device for examining minute objects. The logic is straightforward: micro (small) + scope (viewer) = "viewer of small things." This mirrors the structure of telescope ("viewer of distant things"), highlighting how Greek roots were systematically repurposed for scientific tools.
The biologist used a microscope to study the structure of cells.
Modern microscopes can magnify objects up to 1,000 times their actual size.
Students learned to adjust the microscope’s focus for clearer images.
Electron microscopes reveal details invisible to optical microscopes.
Leeuwenhoek’s early microscope revolutionized our understanding of microbiology.