microcircuit

American  

[mahy-kroh-sur-kit] / ˈmaɪ kroʊˌsɜr kɪt /

noun

1. Electronics. integrated circuit.

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microcircuit British  

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌsɜːkɪt /

noun

1. a miniature electronic circuit, esp one in which a number of permanently connected components are contained in one small chip of semiconducting material See integrated circuit

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Other Word Forms

• microcircuitry noun

Etymology

Origin of microcircuit

First recorded in 1955–60; micro- + circuit

Explanation

A microcircuit is an extremely small device for conducting the flow of electricity. It's so small that you would probably have a hard time seeing the individual components if you were given a chip that uses them. Microcircuits are also known as integrated circuits, and that's because they're usually incorporated into the design of the chip they're part of, instead of being installed afterwards. They are typically carved onto silicon or a similar material, which makes them smaller, more durable, and ultimately cheaper to produce at high volumes than wire ones. Microcircuits are an important part of many electronic devices, probably including whatever you're reading this on.

Example Sentences

The study provides evidence that the neurotransmitters regulate a "microcircuit" in the brain, that allows the organ to differentiate important information from noise, helping a person pay attention.

From Science Daily • Sep. 21, 2023

But now it has a rival�the microcircuit, a tiny device that represents a bigger advance over the transistor than the transistor did over the bulky vacuum tube.

From Time Magazine Archive

Tiny microcircuit radios have been built that can report back medical information from inside a patient's stomach.

From Time Magazine Archive

Americans now control 80% of Europe's computer business, 90% of the microcircuit industry, 40% of its automaking, and sizable shares of chemicals, farm machinery and oil.

From Time Magazine Archive

Related Words

• chip
• circuitry
• microchip
• microprocessor
• silicon chip