microtomy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “microtomy” mean?
The process or technique of preparing extremely thin slices of tissue or material (sections) for examination under a microscope.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process or technique of preparing extremely thin slices of tissue or material (sections) for examination under a microscope.
The scientific discipline and technical practice of cutting thin specimens with a microtome; can be extended metaphorically to describe any activity involving meticulous, fine-scale segmentation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. No significant usage differences beyond general lab vocabulary variations (e.g., 'sectioning' is a common synonym in both).
Connotations
Purely technical and neutral in both varieties. Implies precision, specialisation, and laboratory work.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside specific scientific contexts in both UK and US English. Comparable frequency in academic and research papers.
Grammar
How to Use “microtomy” in a Sentence
microtomy of [tissue/material]microtomy for [purpose, e.g., histological analysis]microtomy performed on [specimen]microtomy using [tool/method]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “microtomy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The technician will microtome the paraffin-embedded tissue block.
- After embedding, the samples were microtomed at 5 micrometres.
American English
- We need to microtome these specimens for the TEM study.
- The frozen tissue was microtomed directly in the cryostat.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form exists for 'microtomy'; 'using microtomy' or 'by microtomy' is used instead.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form exists for 'microtomy'; 'using microtomy' or 'by microtomy' is used instead.]
adjective
British English
- Microtomy techniques have advanced significantly.
- She attended a microtomy workshop to improve her sectioning skills.
American English
- Proper microtomy protocol is critical for diagnosis.
- The lab invested in new microtomy equipment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Might appear in very specific contexts like the marketing of laboratory equipment.
Academic
Used in life sciences, medicine, materials science, and geology. Found in research papers, lab manuals, and advanced textbooks.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Core term in histology, pathology, electron microscopy, and related laboratory disciplines. Used by technicians, researchers, and academics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “microtomy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “microtomy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “microtomy”
- Misspelling as 'microtomy' or 'microtomey'.
- Using it as a verb ('to microtomy'). The correct verb is 'to microtome' or 'to section'.
- Confusing with 'microtonal' (related to music).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Microtomy is the process or technique of cutting thin sections. A microtome is the mechanical instrument used to perform this cutting.
No, while most common in biology and medicine for tissues, microtomy is also used in materials science, geology, and polymer science to prepare thin sections of hard or soft materials for analysis.
It refers to the preparation of sections that are extremely thin, typically less than 0.1 micrometres (100 nanometres), required for transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Yes, many modern microtomes are automated or semi-automated, allowing for precise control of section thickness and consistency, which is crucial for high-throughput labs and research.
The process or technique of preparing extremely thin slices of tissue or material (sections) for examination under a microscope.
Microtomy is usually technical/scientific in register.
Microtomy: in British English it is pronounced /maɪˈkrɒtəmi/, and in American English it is pronounced /maɪˈkrɑːtəmi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MICROSCOPE + TOMY (cutting, as in 'anatomy'). It's the 'cutting for a microscope'.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS PRECISION CUTTING (The act of creating thin slices is a foundational step to reveal hidden structures and gain knowledge).
Practice
Quiz
Microtomy is most closely associated with which field?