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What does microscopic mean? |
Microscopic World
Perhaps you’ve heard of a microscope, the scientist’s tool that helps its users see a larger image of an item that is small. If you’ve heard of a microscope, then you are on your way to understanding the meaning of the word “microscopic!"
If something is microscopic, it is so small that it can only be seen with a microscope! Algae, bacteria, viruses and fungi are all examples of living things that are microscopic. Scientists called microbiologists use microscopes to study these living things!
There are other times when the word “microscopic” is used to talk about something that is similar to a microscope. For example, some bugs have microscopic vision. Just as a microscope helps people see things in greater detail than their eyes would allow, these insects can see things in much greater detail than other living creatures. In fact, they may see things that we humans wouldn’t be able to see without a microscope!
You may also hear the word “microscopic” being used to describe something that is very small. For example, you might say that from an airplane, the trees below look microscopic. Are the trees so small they can only be seen with a microscope? No! But by saying they look “microscopic,” you make it clear that they are difficult to see due to their size!
- “microscopic.” Word Central. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Web. 15 Dec. 2011.
- "microscope." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2011. Web. 15 Dec. 2011.
- "microbiology." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2011. Web. 15 Dec. 2011.
- Kirk, Molly and David Denning. “What Animal Has a More Sophisticated Eye: Animal or Insect?” Biomedia Associates. Biomedia Associates, L.L.C. Web. 15 Dec. 2011.