magnification

noun

mag·​ni·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmag-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce magnification (audio)
Synonyms of magnificationnext
1
: the act of magnifying
2
a
: the state of being magnified
b
: the apparent enlargement of an object by an optical instrument

called also power

Synonyms of magnification

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Examples of magnification in a Sentence

We used a microscope to examine the cells under magnification. At higher magnifications the differences between the cells become clear.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Glass from a broken bottle can cause magnification of the sun and set vegetation alight, Roise said. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026 Under magnification the spores appear roundish, colorless, and smooth to slightly rough. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Mar. 2026 The 50mm object lenses admit plenty of light and the 18x magnification brings the cosmos closer than some telescopes. — Chris McMullen, Space.com, 15 June 2026 The robot has a camera with ten times the magnifying capability, as compared to a standard magnifying loop that has three and a half times magnification. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for magnification

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnification was in the 15th century

Rhymes for magnification

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Browse Nearby Words

magnificate
magnification
magnificence
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Cite this Entry

“Magnification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnification. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

magnification

noun
mag·​ni·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmag-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce magnification (audio)
1
: the act of magnifying
2
a
: the state of being magnified
b
: the apparent enlargement of an object by an optical instrument

called also power

Medical Definition

magnification

noun
mag·​ni·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmag-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce magnification (audio)
1
: the act of magnifying
2
a
: the state of being magnified
b
: the apparent enlargement of an object by an optical instrument that is the ratio of the dimensions of an image formed by the instrument to the corresponding dimensions of the object

called also power

More from Merriam-Webster on magnification

Nglish: Translation of magnification for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about magnification

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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