microtome (mik'ro-tom)

Syn.: section cutter. An apparatus for making thin sections of objects. Many kinds have been devised, some serving to hold the object and move it sufficiently for the succe ive sections, which are made by pa ing a knife along the guide by hand. In others both knife and object are held by the. machine, and the power may be applied by hand or by a special mechanism. Frequently the object must be moved sufficiently for the sections by turning a screw by hand; in other cases all the movements are automatic, freezing m. A m. in which the object to be cut may be frozen to render it of the proper consistence for cutting. Minot's automatic m. See under Minot. rocking m. A mechanical m. in which the specimen to be cut is fastened to the end of a lever which moves up and down, thus carrying the specimen acro a stationary cutting.] knife. [Gr., mikros, small,' -ftome, a microvolt (mi'kro-volt). A millionth part of a volt. [Gr., mikros, small, + volt.]