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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of microphone

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

Example Sentences

“It’s got analog gear and old ribbon microphones and a janky upright piano,” he said of the studio.

From Los Angeles Times

Worse: The tiny microphone begets equally small questions.

From Salon

Infected participants also handled shared items like a pen, tablet computer, and microphone, which were then passed around the group.

From Science Daily

Pendants and brooches packed with artificial intelligence abounded at the Consumer Electronics show, using cameras and microphones to watch and listen through the day like a vigilant personal assistant.

From Barron's

It was later revealed the wrong microphone was used in the process of the review.

From BBC