Definition

Relating to things that are extremely small and can only be seen with a microscope.

Example

The scientist examined the microscopic organisms in the water sample.

Conversation

Did you see that documentary about microscopic life in the ocean?

Yeah, it was fascinating to see how much is happening at such a small scale.

I had no idea there were so many microscopic creatures living in just a drop of water!

Right? It really makes you appreciate the little things in nature.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Microscopic → It is formed from "micro-" (from Greek "mikros", meaning small) and "scopic" (from Greek "skopein", meaning to look or examine). The word "microscopic" refers to something that is so small it can only be seen with a microscope, emphasizing the act of looking at small things.

Memory Tip

Think of 'small' ('micro-') and 'looking' ('skopein') to remember that 'microscopic' means something that is too small to see without a special tool.

Visually Confused Words