microprobe
/ˈmaɪkroʊˌproʊb/
noun
- A scientific instrument that uses a very small beam (such as electrons or X-rays) to examine the chemical composition of tiny areas on a sample.
- With a microprobe, scientists can detect trace amounts of metal in a single grain of sand.
- The geologist used an electron microprobe to identify the minerals in the rock sample.
- The lab's microprobe analyzed the paint chip to determine its exact chemical makeup.
Synonyms