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

Amelia’s father is retired after helping build Applied Materials Inc., the country’s biggest supplier of equipment used to make microchips, into the $6-billion company that it is today.

From Los Angeles Times

And then, in the 1970s, microchips got much faster and cheaper.

From The Wall Street Journal

The deal, which was announced in early 2024 and closed in July, expanded the company’s reach in simulation software for designers of microchips, cars and airplanes.

From The Wall Street Journal

One notable exception was microchip manufacturer Advanced Micro Devices, which gained about 9% after the company told analysts it expects chip sales to climb 80% annually in coming years.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• chip
• circuitry
• microprocessor
• silicon chip