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.

---

circuitry British  

/ ˈsɜːkɪtrɪ /

noun

1. the design of an electrical circuit

2. the system of circuits used in an electronic device

---

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

Humanity’s salvation, then, rests in reverting to analog and relying on people more than circuitry.

From Salon • May 5, 2026

It also might be the key to keeping your heat on: A gas heating system often has electrical controls wired into your home’s main circuitry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

The work shows, in theory, that two major barriers to faster photonic circuitry can be addressed at the same time.

From Science Daily • Dec. 23, 2025

She had that morning made little transparent plastic cubes with electronic circuitry inside.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 10, 2025

The casing shattered, circuitry crunched, shrapnel tittered on the floor as the fifteen millimeter-thick calculator turned into a three millimeter-thick calculator.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

Related Words

• chip
• electronics
• wiring