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.
Related Words
Explore French by topic
FrenchNow
6 min read