microfluidics

American  

[mahy-kroh-floo-id-iks] / ˌmaɪ kroʊ fluˈɪd ɪks /

noun

1. the science of the behavior of fluids at very small volumes or flowing in very small channels typically measured in tens of micrometers, as in microminiaturized devices: used in many technologies, including those involved in DNA analysis, immunoassays, chemical synthesis, and optics.

   With recent advances in microfluidics and on-demand drug manufacturing, your pharmacist could soon be tailoring your prescription to the exact dose and formulation you need.

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Etymology

Origin of microfluidics

First recorded in 1995–2000; micro- ( def. ) + fluidics ( def. )

Example Sentences

The company is still working on liquid-based cooling ideas, including microfluidics, where tiny channels of liquid flow through the many layers of a silicon chip.

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2025

Recent progress in areas like microfluidics, stretchable electronics and wireless communication has made it possible to build a new class of wearable sensors.

From Science Daily • Dec. 3, 2025

This device leveraged microfluidics to examine sperm flagellar waveform and energetics in response to changes in flow and viscosity.

From Science Daily • Nov. 1, 2023

We passed one machine that uses microfluidics technology to mix reagents and cells and another that uses mass spectrometry to rapidly analyze the chemical composition of liquids.

From New York Times • Nov. 24, 2021

To get single-cell resolution, he turned to microfluidics.

From Nature • May 21, 2018