what does "microscopic" mean?
Microscopic means something so small that it can only be seen with a microscope. Sometimes, though, the word means something very small, but that can be seen with the naked eye.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/microscopic
"Microscopic" refers to something that is so small or tiny that it cannot be seen with the naked eye. It is derived from the term "microscope," which is an instrument used to magnify objects to make them visible.
To further understand the meaning of "microscopic," you can follow these steps to determine the definition:
1. Observe the word: Start by looking at the word itself. "Microscopic" is an adjective formed by adding the suffix "-ic" to the noun "microscope."
2. Break down the word: By breaking down the word, you can identify the root and any prefixes or suffixes. In this case, the root word is "microscope," which refers to an optical instrument used to magnify small objects. The "-ic" suffix is commonly used to form adjectives.
3. Define the root word: To understand "microscopic," you should know the meaning of "microscope." A microscope is a tool that allows you to see small objects by magnifying them. It reveals details that are otherwise unnoticeable to the naked eye.
4. Understand the suffix: The "-ic" suffix is used in English to create adjectives. It typically means "relating to" or "characteristic of." So when added to "microscope," it refers to something that is related to or characteristic of a microscope.
Putting all the pieces together, "microscopic" means something that is so incredibly small that it requires a microscope to see it.