micro

[ mahy-kroh ]
/ ˈmaɪ kroʊ /

adjective

extremely small.
minute in scope or capability.
of or relating to microcomputers.
of or relating to microeconomics.

noun, plural mi·cros.

Origin of micro

independent use of micro-, or shortening of words with this initial element

Definition for micro (2 of 2)

micro-

a combining form with the meanings “small” (microcosm; microgamete), “very small in comparison with others of its kind” (microcassette; microlith), “too small to be seen by the unaided eye” (microfossil; microorganism), “dealing with extremely minute organisms, organic structures, or quantities of a substance” (microdissection; microscope), “localized, restricted in scope or area” (microburst; microhabitat), “(of a discipline) focusing on a restricted area” (microeconomics), “containing or dealing with texts that require enlargement to be read” (microfilm; microreader), “one millionth” (microgram).
Also especially before a vowel, micr-.

Origin of micro-

< Greek: combining form representing mīkrós small

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH micro-

macro- micro-

Example sentences from the Web for micro

British Dictionary definitions for micro (1 of 2)

micro
/ (ˈmaɪkrəʊ) /

adjective

very small

noun plural -cros

British Dictionary definitions for micro (2 of 2)

micro-

micr-


combining form

small or minute microspore
involving the use of a microscope micrography
indicating a method or instrument for dealing with small quantities micrometer
(in pathology) indicating abnormal smallness or underdevelopment microcephaly; microcyte Compare macro- (def. 2)
denoting 10 –6 microsecond Symbol: μ

Word Origin for micro-

from Greek mikros small

Medical definitions for micro

micro-

pref.

Small:microblast.
Abnormally small:microcephaly.
Requiring or involving microscopy:microsurgery.
One-millionth (10-6):microliter.

Scientific definitions for micro

micro-

A prefix that means: “small” (as in microorganism) or “one millionth” (as in microsecond).