French word

microscope

Pronunciation

IPA/mikʁoskɔp/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmicroscope

Example

Il y a un microscope dans le laboratoire.

There is a microscope in the laboratory.

Illustration for microscope (microscope)

More examples

Nous utilisons un microscope en cours de biologie.

We use a microscope in biology class.

Core concept

A lens-based instrument that brings tiny details into visible scale.

Common phrases

  • utiliser un microscope

    use a microscope

  • regarder au microscope

    observe under a microscope

  • un microscope optique

    optical microscope

Similar words

lunettes: Eyeglasses with two lenses worn on the face to improve vision.
jumelles: A binocular instrument for viewing distant objects with both eyes.

Definition in French

Instrument d'optique qui permet d'observer des objets très petits en les agrandissant.

Word origin

The term combines Greek mikros, 'small', and skopein, 'to look at', through the learned Latin form microscopium.

Usage tips

  • Microscope is masculine, so standard articles are un microscope and le microscope.

Related words

  • microscopiemicroscopynoun
  • microscopiquemicroscopicadjective

Word lists with this word