microphone

American  

[mahy-kruh-fohn] / ˈmaɪ krəˌfoʊn /

noun

1. an instrument capable of transforming sound waves into changes in electric currents or voltage, used in recording or transmitting sound.

---

microphone British  

/ ˈmaɪkrəˌfəʊn /

noun

1. Informal name: mike.  a device used in sound-reproduction systems for converting sound into electrical energy, usually by means of a ribbon or diaphragm set into motion by the sound waves. The vibrations are converted into the equivalent audio-frequency electric currents See also carbon microphone Compare loudspeaker

---

Etymology

Origin of microphone

1875–80; micro-, in sense “enlarging” (extracted from microscope ) + -phone

Example Sentences

Immediately, the stage lights went off, a floodlight illuminated the audience and all audio was cut, except for Noel Gallagher's microphone, allowing him to calmly explain the situation before the band left the stage.

From BBC

"Help, help, help us now that you've come to visit us," shouts Akale Helen, immediately after the reporter puts a microphone in front of her.

From BBC

Then they noticed Huber’s many sound recordings, along with the underwater microphones and copper plates in the fish tank.

From The Wall Street Journal

The winners in the live-action short film category had the microphone turned back on after initially being played off the stage.

From Salon

Golden songwriter Mark Sonnenblick, who didn't get to speak at all during the ceremony, happily took the microphone and thanked his husband and everybody who worked on the movie, especially the animators.

From BBC