Microtome vs. Ultramicrotomy — What's the Difference?

A microtome (from the Greek mikros, meaning "small", and temnein, meaning "to cut") is a cutting tool used to produce extremely thin slices of material known as sections. Important in science, microtomes are used in microscopy, allowing for the preparation of samples for observation under transmitted light or electron radiation.

Ultramicrotomy is a method for cutting specimens into extremely thin slices, called ultra-thin sections, that can be studied and documented at different magnifications in a transmission electron microscope (TEM). It is used mostly for biological specimens, but sections of plastics and soft metals can also be prepared.

An instrument used to cut a specimen, as of organic tissue, into thin sections for microscopic examination.

A microtome for cutting very thin sections of material for use in electron microscopy.

A special instrument that produces very thin slices of plant and animal tissues, for later examination by light microscope or electron microscope.

Microtomy using an ultramicrotome

To cut into sections using a microtome

An instrument for making very thin sections for microscopical examination.

Scientific instrument that cuts thin slices of something for microscopic examination