micro-
MY-kroh prefix
A word beginning that means very small; in units, one millionth.
small
What it means
The beginning of words for things too small to see or tiny in size. A microscope lets you see microorganisms such as bacteriumbak-TEER-ee-umA tiny one-celled living thing, seen only under a microscope, of which some kinds cause disease; the plural is bacteria.Full entry ; microcephaly is a smaller-than-normal head; a microbe is a tiny living thing. In measurement, a microgram (mcg) is one millionth of a gram, a thousand times smaller than a milligram.
For the nurse
Write "mcg" for microgram. The symbol µg is on ISMP's error-prone list because it can be misread as mg, a thousandfold overdose.
- Also written
- micr-
- Filed under
- Word parts
Words built from micro-
Every word in this dictionary built from it, the part marked in each.
MY-krohbA living thing too small to see without a microscope, such as a bacterium, fungus or parasite; viruses are often included.
antimicrobialan-tee-my-KROH-bee-ulA drug or substance that kills or slows the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.
microorganismmy-kroh-OR-guh-niz-umA living thing too small to see without a microscope, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite.
micronutrientMY-kroh-NOO-tree-entA vitamin or mineral that the body needs in small amounts to work and grow normally.
microbiologymy-kroh-by-OL-uh-jeeThe study of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites; also the lab that tests for them.
microdebridermy-kroh-dih-BRY-derA powered handpiece with a rotating blade that cuts small pieces of tissue and suctions them away at once.
microvillimy-kroh-VIL-eyeMicroscopic, fingerlike projections on the surface of a lining cell, as in the small intestine, that together form the brush border.
Words that go with it
Read these next: they turn up in the same notes, orders and questions.
Instruments that go with micro
Real photos of each one, the names techs call it and what it’s for. Tap one to see it up close.
Micro Ear ForcepsGrasping & Holding · On 1 setup
Kleinsasser Micro Laryngeal ForcepsGrasping & Holding
Jako Micro Laryngeal Alligator ForcepsGrasping & Holding · On 1 setup
Micro-Instrument WipeSupplies · On 7 setups
Kleinert-Kutz Micro Clip ForcepsClamping & Occluding
Microbite Rotating BackbiterGrasping & Holding
Fogla DALK Micro ScissorsCutting & Dissecting
Micro ElevatorCutting & Dissecting · On 1 setup
Sloane LASIK Micro Hoe & Epi PeelerCutting & Dissecting
Glasser Micro Needle HolderSuturing
Micro Laryngeal Forceps, angled upGrasping & Holding
Micro Laryngeal ForcepsGrasping & HoldingA client’s heart rate is 128 beats per minute an hour after surgery. Which finding is the most likely cause of the tachycardia?
tak-ih-KAR-dee-uhA heart rate faster than normal; in an adult, more than 100 beats per minute.
Full entry →Tap a word you don’t know. Its card opens right there.
Every word in this dictionary is underlined where it turns up in our practice questions and setups, so you never leave the question to look it up.