A compound microscope is a type of optical instrument that uses multiple lenses to magnify small objects, making them easier to see. It typically consists of an eyepiece lens and one or more objective lenses. The eyepiece is where you look through, while the objective lenses are positioned close to the specimen. This combination allows for high magnification and clear images of tiny details, such as cells or microorganisms. These microscopes are widely used in laboratories, schools, and research facilities. They play a crucial role in fields like biology, medicine, and materials science. By enabling scientists to observe structures that are invisible to the naked eye, compound microscopes have greatly advanced our understanding of the microscopic world.