darkfield microscopy [AS, deorc, hidden, feld, field; Gk, mikros, small, skopein, to look] , examination of a microscopic specimen illuminated by a peripheral light source. The illumination causes the specimen to appear to glow against a dark background. In laboratory diagnosis, the technique is used primarily to identify the syphilis spirochete. Also called darkfield illumination. See also ultramicroscopy.
