The spelling of the word "compound microscope" is closely related to its pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈkɒmpaʊnd ˈmaɪkrəskəʊp/. The first syllable "com-" is pronounced with the vowel sound /ɒ/ and the second syllable "-pound" with the vowel sound /aʊ/. The stress is on the first syllable. The second part "microscope" is pronounced with the long vowel sound /aɪ/ and stress on the first syllable. This word describes a type of microscope that uses multiple lenses to magnify an image, commonly used in scientific research and education.
A compound microscope is an optical instrument that is used in the field of microscopy to magnify small objects or organisms that are not visible to the naked eye, by using a combination of lenses. It is called a "compound" microscope because it utilizes two sets of lenses - the objective lens and the eyepiece, with the objective lens located near the specimen.
The objective lens is responsible for gathering light and magnifying the object being observed, while the eyepiece lens further magnifies the image formed by the objective lens, allowing the viewer to see a highly magnified and detailed image. The compound microscope typically has a range of objective lenses with different levels of magnification, which can be switched based on the level of detail required for observation.
The compound microscope employs a source of light, such as a bulb or a mirror, to illuminate the object being studied. The light passes through the objective lens, interacts with the specimen, and then forms a magnified image. This image is then further magnified by the eyepiece lens, which allows the viewer to observe minute details of the object.
The compound microscope is widely used in various fields of science, such as biology, chemistry, and medicine, as it enables scientists, researchers, and students to study and understand the intricate structures and functions of microscopic organisms and cells. It plays a crucial role in research, education, and discoveries in the realms of biology and other life sciences.
One consisting of two or more lenses (see illustration).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "compound" in "compound microscope" comes from the Latin word "componere", which means "to put together" or "to combine". The term "compound microscope" refers to a microscope that uses multiple lenses to magnify an object. The "compound" aspect refers to the combination of lenses that work together to produce a magnified image.