Define limit of resolution: the limit of resolution of a microscope is the shortest distance between four separate points in a microscopes field of view that can still be distinguished as distinct entities. the limit of resolution of a microscope is the minimum distance or angular separation between two point objects which allows them to be resolved according to the rayleigh criterion. the limit of resolution of a microscope is a measure of how close together two points can be and still be distinguished from one another when viewed through the microscope. the limit of resolution of a microscope is the clearance distance between the closest surface of the cover glass and the objective front lens.