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Glite Dictionary
microstructure

microstructure

2 6.9
Small parts inside a material and how they are arranged, often seen only with a microscope
  • noun
  • /ˌmaɪkroʊˈstrʌkʧər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : microestructura
  • To improve the strength of the alloy, they analyzed the microstructure to determine the arrangement of its grains.
  • microstructure and macrostructure
  • narrative microstructure
  • microstructure measures

It's a, it's a different microstructure.

Examples

  • We now turn our attention toward the microstructures that are actually preserved in granitic rocks.

    Academic text (2018)

  • In many instances, investigators have sought to document developmental trends across both microstructure and macrostructure variables.

    Academic text (2015)

  • It's all hidden in the microstructure of the molecules.

  • To what degree is the development of microstructure elements related to the development of macrostructure elements?

    Academic text (2015)

  • Some methods to control the local microstructure have already been investigated experimentally.

    Academic text (2018)

  • In addition, the literature suggests that an association exists between the development of microstructure and macrostructure.

    Academic text (2015)

  • The temperature variance associated with the microstructure is thought to be a direct reflection of vertical mixing.

    Academic text (1994)

  • Do these three learner groups differ on individual measures of microstructure obtained during a narrative retell?

    Academic text (2012)

  • Turbostratic carbon shows a very complex microstructure due to the disordered arrangement of carbon atoms in its structure.

    Academic text (2018)

  • Moreover, this finding suggests that teachers should focus on children's production of microstructure-level features of narratives.

    Academic text (2013)

Synonyms

ultrastructure
vsmicrostructure
  • Specialized
9.0

Very small parts of cells, tissues, or materials seen only with a very powerful microscope

is the internal arrangement seen with ordinary microscopes
microarchitecture
vsmicrostructure
  • Specialized
8.7

The small-scale structure of a material or tissue that affects its strength and function

is the internal arrangement without focusing on strength or function
micromorphology
vsmicrostructure
  • Specialized
9.7

The study of small parts of materials or tissues with a microscope

means the physical arrangement itself rather than study or description

How Small

microstructure
  • Specialized
2 6.9
structure
790 3.5

Surface Forms

microstructure singular
microstructures plural

Morphology

microstructure = structure (transparent) = micro + structure

The meaning is directly compositional: 'micro-' adds the sense of small scale to 'structure'.

Etymology

Microstructure breaks into micro- 'small' and structure 'the way something is built'. So microstructure is like the tiny 'building' inside a material you can usually only see with a microscope, which is why it means the small internal arrangement of parts.