microscopic
meye-kruh-SKOP-ihk
Microscopic (adjective) means So small it can only be seen using a microscope. Example: “A microscopic parasite was found in the water sample.”
adjective
1
So small it can only be seen using a microscope.
"The water was full of microscopic organisms."
"A microscopic parasite was found in the water sample."
2
Extremely small in general; tiny.
"There was only a microscopic chance of the plan succeeding."
How to use microscopic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething incredibly tiny — either literally invisible without a microscope, or just figuratively very small.
Common pairings
microscopic chance
microscopic detail
microscopic organism
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more microscopic
- Superlative
- most microscopic
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A _____ parasite was found in the water sample.
Etymology
Formed from "microscope" plus the adjective-forming suffix "-ic."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for microscopic
See all rhymes for microscopic →Frequently asked questions
What does “microscopic” mean?
The word “microscopic” means so small it can only be seen using a microscope. In plain terms, something incredibly tiny — either literally invisible without a microscope, or just figuratively very small.
How do you pronounce “microscopic”?
“Microscopic” is pronounced meye-kruh-SKOP-ihk (/ˌmaɪ.kɹəˈskɑ.pɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “microscopic” in a sentence?
Here is “microscopic” used in a sentence: “A microscopic parasite was found in the water sample.”
What is the opposite of “microscopic”?
The opposite of “microscopic” — its antonyms — are macroscopic and gross.
What part of speech is “microscopic”?
“Microscopic” is an adjective.
Is “microscopic” a common word?
“Microscopic” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “microscopic” have?
“Microscopic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: so small it can only be seen using a microscope.
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