microchip

American  

[mahy-kroh-chip] / ˈmaɪ kroʊˌtʃɪp /

noun

Electronics.

1. chip.

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microchip British  

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌtʃɪp /

noun

1. a small piece of semiconductor material carrying many integrated circuits

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verb

1. (tr) to implant (an animal) with a microchip tag linked to a national computer network for purposes of identification

microchip Scientific  

/ mī′krə-chĭp′ /

1. See integrated circuit

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microchip Cultural  

1. The basic component of modern miniaturized electronics. The “chip” is a series of electrical circuits built into a tiny wafer of silicon or another semiconductor.

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Discover More

These circuits may be made by exposing the chip to a high-temperature vapor of controlled composition. The vapor deposits a thin layer (sometimes only a few atoms thick) on the silicon. In this way complex layers of materials, such as those found in transistors can be built up in a very small area.

Etymology

Origin of microchip

First recorded in 1965–70; micro- + chip ¹

Example Sentences

A report that Meta is in discussions to buy billions of dollars’ worth of Alphabet’s highly specialized AI microchips has led to speculation that the Google parent could encroach on Nvidia’s dominant market share.

From MarketWatch

Pennsylvania has yet to lure a microchip or EV factory, and the state’s business elite are sounding the alarm after watching neighboring Ohio land a $20 billion Intel plant.

From Seattle Times

This month, the Dutch government said it would put restrictions on the country's "most advanced" microchip technology exports to protect national security.

From BBC

On the other hand, ongoing demand for auto and farm equipment has kept stocks of microchips that act as electronic brains in that machinery tight.

From Reuters

Each of the projects promises to help ease the shortages of microchips that German industries have faced since the pandemic and create thousands of jobs, fueling an ecosystem that could bolster the economy for decades.

From New York Times

Related Words

• chip
• circuitry
• microprocessor
• silicon chip