microscopic

So small that you need a special instrument to see it.

• The water contains microscopic organisms.
• Microscopic particles floated in the air.
• Scientists found microscopic damage inside the cells.

Opposites: macroscopic

Common phrases: microscopic organisms, microscopic particles, microscopic cells

Extremely small in size or amount.

• They served us microscopic portions.
• The writing on the label is microscopic.
• Our budget seems microscopic compared with theirs.

Similar words: tiny, minute, minuscule

Opposites: huge, enormous

Common phrases: microscopic amount, microscopic portion, microscopic print

Connected with using an instrument that makes very small things look bigger.

• The sample needs microscopic examination.
• Microscopic analysis revealed changes in the tissue.
• Students learned several microscopic techniques in the laboratory.

Common phrases: microscopic examination, microscopic analysis, microscopic techniques