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Glite Dictionary
microprint

microprint

9.8
Very small letters on money or passports that you need a magnifying glass to read
  • noun
  • /ˈmaɪkroʊˌprɪnt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : microimpresión
  • The banknote has a security feature that includes microprint around the edges, which can only be seen with a magnifying glass.

Examples

  • It's impossible to read the microprint with the naked eye.

  • The banknote uses microprint along its edge to prevent counterfeiting.

  • Some passports contain microprint that reveals hidden information under magnification.

  • The document contained microprint that revealed hidden information.

  • Can you see the microprint on this banknote?

  • To verify the authenticity of the document, you need to inspect the microprint with a magnifying lens.

  • The new passport design includes microprint text that is difficult to reproduce, enhancing its security.

How Small

microprint
  • Specialized
9.8
fine print
37 4.4
writ large
  • Formal
5 7.1

Surface Forms

microprint singular
microprints plural

Morphology

microprint = print (transparent) = micro + print

The meaning is directly compositional: 'micro' indicates very small and 'print' refers to printed text.

Etymology

Microprint breaks into micro- 'small' and print 'writing', and you see the same micro- in microscope, which helps you look at tiny things. So microprint is very small writing that you need a magnifier to read and is often used on banknotes and passports to help stop fake money or documents.