An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A magnifying optical instrument for inspecting objects too small to be seen or too small to be seen distinctly and in detail by the unaided eye.

Etymology (EN): From Mod.L. microscopium “an instrument for viewing what is small,” from Gk. → micro- + -skopion “means of viewing,” from skopein “look at.”

Etymology (PE): Rizbin, from riz→ micro- + bin “to see; seer” (present stem of didan;
Mid.Pers. wyn-; O.Pers. vain- “to see;” Av. vaēn- “to see;”
Skt. veda “I know;” Gk. oida “I know,” idein “to see;” L. videre “to see;” PIE base *weid- “to know, to see”).