English · Science & Technology
microchip
/ˈmaɪ.krəʊ.tʃɪp/
[/ˈmaɪ.krəʊ.tʃɪp/]
tiny circuit
Advancednoun
Definition
A very small set of electronic circuits on a piece of silicon that runs computers and devices.
Example
A single microchip smaller than a fingernail can hold millions of tiny electronic components.
A single microchip smaller than a fingernail can hold millions of tiny electronic components.
Etymology
Combining 'micro' (Greek 'mikros', small) and 'chip' (a small piece), from the 1970s.
How & Where It’s Used
The heart of computers, phones, and modern electronics.