How to Pronounce Microtome
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Microtome Pronunciation
MY-kroh-tohm
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
MY
stress here
kroh
tohm
3 syllables
What is Microtome?
A precision cutting instrument used to slice tissue samples into extremely thin sections, typically 2 to 10 micrometers thick, for examination under a microscope. It is used in histology and pathology labs to prepare tissue biopsies for diagnosis.
Questions About Microtome
How do you pronounce 'microtome'?
+
Say it like this: MY-kroh-tohm. The first syllable 'MY' rhymes with 'pie,' the second syllable 'kroh' sounds like 'crow,' and the last syllable 'tohm' rhymes with 'home.' Put the strongest emphasis on that first syllable: MY-kroh-tohm.
What are the syllables in 'microtome'?
+
The word breaks into three syllables: mi-cro-tome. If you say it slowly, you'll hear each part clearly: mi (like 'my'), cro (like 'crow'), and tome (like 'home').
Which syllable gets the stress when you say 'microtome'?
+
The first syllable gets the stress: MY-kroh-tohm. A common mistake is stressing the middle syllable and saying 'my-KROH-tohm,' but that's incorrect. Remember to emphasize that first 'MY' sound.
What do the word parts 'micro' and 'tome' mean?
+
Both parts come from Greek. 'Micro' means 'small,' and 'tome' comes from a Greek word meaning 'to cut.' So 'microtome' literally means 'small cutter' or a tool that makes small cuts—which fits what it does!
Are there other medical words that use 'micro' or 'tome'?
+
Yes! Words like 'microscope' (micro + scope, 'to see') and 'anatomy' (ana + tome, 'cutting up') share these same roots. You'll also hear 'gastrotome,' a cutting tool used on the stomach, or 'microbiology,' the study of tiny living things.
What does 'microtome' mean in everyday language?
+
In simple terms, a microtome is a super-precise cutting machine that slices things into paper-thin slices so small you'd need a microscope to see them clearly. Think of it like a fancy vegetable slicer, but for tissue samples in a lab.
What are common mispronunciations of 'microtome'?
+
People sometimes say 'my-KROH-tohm' (stressing the wrong syllable) or 'MY-kroh-tome' (rhyming the last part with 'tome' like the book). The correct way keeps all three parts flowing smoothly: MY-kroh-tohm, with the stress on the first syllable.
Can you use 'microtome' in a sentence?
+
Sure! Here's an example: 'The lab technician used a microtome to prepare the tissue sample for the pathologist to examine.' This shows how the word is used in a real lab setting.