Definition

A technique in microscopy that involves cutting very thin sections of a specimen using a specialized instrument called an ultramicrotome.

Example

Ultramicrotomy is essential for preparing samples for electron microscopy.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of ultramicrotomy?

Yeah, I think it's related to slicing samples for microscopy, right?

Exactly! It's a really precise technique for thin sections.

I can see how that would be super useful in research.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ultramicrotomy is formed from "ultra-" (meaning beyond) and "micro-" (meaning small) and "tomy" (from Greek "tomia", meaning to cut). The term refers to the technique of cutting extremely thin sections of material, particularly in microscopy, beyond what is normally considered small.

Memory Tip

Think of 'beyond' ('ultra-') and 'small' ('micro-') to remember that ultramicrotomy involves cutting materials into extremely thin slices.

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