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microscope

microscope

noun mee-kro-SKOP Rare

Origin: Modern Latin microscopium, from Greek mikros (small) + skopein (to look)

Usage Note

Microscope is masculine in French. The expression passer au microscope means 'to scrutinize closely' — examining something under a metaphorical microscope. The adjective microscopique describes anything extremely small or visible only under magnification.

Examples

"L'élève observe la cellule au microscope."

Natural Translation

The student observes the cell under the microscope.

Literal Translation

The student observes the cell at the microscope.

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