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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

circuitry

Over time, those changes help shape the neural circuitry the brain relies on to create an internal representation of its surroundings.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 18, 2026

This reward circuitry is the part of the brain that is activated when we enjoy and remember good things, like tasty food or praise.

From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026

"What we show is that the circuitry actually changes so the brain can do two things at once," Riesenhuber said.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 12, 2026

"We all have phones, we all have similar brain circuitry, and so many of us can become addicted."

From BBC ● Jun. 28, 2026

The Whisperer’s computer circuitry was safely hidden beneath the stone floor, its chair and helmets made of strong metal.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart

Related Words

• chip
• electronics
• wiring