optical microscope
Light-based magnifier
An optical microscope uses visible light and glass lenses to magnify small objects, distinguishing it from electron microscopes that use particle beams.
The term typically appears in scientific contexts where the distinction matters: Under the optical microscope, the cell structure became visible.
Also called a light microscope.
Lens you look through
- objective lensLight-gathering optical element
- ocularOf the organ of sight
- stageRaised performance platform
- condenserDevice that liquefies gases
diaphragm · light source · mirror · illuminator · aperture · binocular · monocular · arm
Formal decision or determination
- field of viewExtent one sees simultaneously
- zoomRapid movement or magnification
- enlargeIncrease in size
- 10xTen times over
40x · 100x · image · focus · depth of field · working distance · clarity · detail
Study of tissue structure
- cytologyStudy of cells
- pathologyStudy of disease processes
- microbiologyStudy of microscopic life
- hematologyScience of blood disorders
parasitology · bacteriology · mycology · botany · entomology · forensics · quality control · education
Smooth continuous movement
- cover slipThin glass over specimens
- sampleSubset for study
- preparationArranging things in advance
- mountingSteadily increasing in degree
staining · smear · thin section · fixation · preservation · transparent · translucent · living cells
Oblique illumination microscopy method
- fluorescenceLight emitted after absorption
- polarized lightWaves oscillating in one direction
- confocalSharing a common focus
- stainingApplying dye or pigment
eyepiece
Lens you look through
- objective lensLight-gathering optical element
- ocularOf the organ of sight
- stageRaised performance platform
condenser · diaphragm · light source · mirror · illuminator · aperture · binocular · monocular · arm · base
resolution
Formal decision or determination
- field of viewExtent one sees simultaneously
- zoomRapid movement or magnification
- enlargeIncrease in size
10x · 40x · 100x · image · focus · depth of field · working distance · clarity · detail · sharpness
histology
Study of tissue structure
- cytologyStudy of cells
- pathologyStudy of disease processes
- microbiologyStudy of microscopic life
hematology · parasitology · bacteriology · mycology · botany · entomology · forensics · quality control · education · clinical diagnosis
slide
Smooth continuous movement
- cover slipThin glass over specimens
- sampleSubset for study
- preparationArranging things in advance
mounting · staining · smear · thin section · fixation · preservation · transparent · translucent · living cells · dead cells
darkfield
Oblique illumination microscopy method
- fluorescenceLight emitted after absorption
- polarized lightWaves oscillating in one direction
- confocalSharing a common focus
optical microscopeelectron microscope
Instrument magnifying via charged particles
scanning electron microscope · magnetic resonance imaging · CT scanner
optical microscopetelescope
Instrument magnifying faraway objects
radio telescope · binoculars · satellite imagery · naked eye
optical, microscope, optic, optics, optically, optician, ophthalmic, ophthalmology, ophthalmologist