microlens1
/ˈmʌɪkrə(ʊ)lɛnz/noun
1A very small (photographic, contact, etc.) lens.
2 Astronomy. A single discrete astronomical object (such as a star or planet) that acts as a gravitational lens.
Origin
1960s; earliest use found in Stewart Duke-Elder (1898–1978), ophthalmic surgeon. From micro- + lens.
microlens2
/ˈmʌɪkrə(ʊ)lɛnz/Astronomy
verb
[with object] Of a single star, planet, etc.: to refract (electromagnetic radiation from an astronomical object, or the image of that object) by microlensing. Also without object. Frequently in pass. Compare macrolensing.
Origin
1980s. From microlens.