1. plural of microtome; precision instruments used to cut extremely thin sections of material for microscopic examination
Usage: scientific equipment; laboratory instrument

Examples

• The laboratory purchased new microtomes for preparing tissue samples.
• Researchers use microtomes to create sections thin enough for electron microscopy.
• The pathology department maintains several microtomes for diagnostic work.
• These microtomes can cut sections as thin as one micrometer.
• Students learned to operate the microtomes during their histology course.
• The microtomes require regular maintenance to ensure precise cutting.