circuitry

American  

[sur-ki-tree] / ˈsɜr kɪ tri /

noun

1. the science of designing electric or electronic circuits.

2. the circuits themselves.

3. the components of such circuits.

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circuitry British  

/ ˈsɜːkɪtrɪ /

noun

1. the design of an electrical circuit

2. the system of circuits used in an electronic device

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Etymology

Origin of circuitry

First recorded in 1945–50; circuit + -ry

Explanation

Circuitry is a network of interconnected paths through which electricity flows, especially in a computer or other electronic device. It's a bit like the electrical version of the body's circulatory system. Circuitry can refer to the actual electronic components that direct and control the flow of electricity in a device or to the detailed plans for an electrical circuit or system of circuits. Each electrical circuit has a source of electrical power (such as a battery), a conductive pathway (such as a wire), and a load that is being powered by the electricity. A switch is opened or closed to start or stop the flow. A device's circuitry is made up of all the circuits within it as well as the pieces connecting them.

Related Words

• chip
• electronics
• wiring