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microcode

American  
[mahy-kruh-kohd] / ˈmaɪ krəˌkoʊd /

noun

Computers.
  1. one or more microinstructions.

  2. the notation for writing microprograms on a given computer.


Etymology

Origin of microcode

micro- + code

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The company is developing a software stack to move past from the current state of quantum programming, which Fitzsimons likens to microcode in the 1950s.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

The company is developing a software stack to move past from the current state of quantum programming, which Fitzsimons likens to microcode in the 1950s.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

Wilkes also came up with the idea of microprogramming as a way of controlling the computer's operations, by building complex high-level instructions from small ones – microcode.

From The Guardian • Nov. 30, 2010

In a landmark ruling last week in San Jose, Federal Judge William Gray upheld a microcode copyright used by Intel Corp., the world's largest producer of microprocessors.

From Time Magazine Archive

Used in phrases like "lexical analysis for microcode is serious weeds...."

From The Jargon File, Version 4.2.2, 20 Aug 2000 by Steele, Guy L.