microphone

American  

[mahy-kruh-fohn] / ˈmaɪ krəˌfoʊn /

noun

1. an instrument capable of transforming sound waves into changes in electric currents or voltage, used in recording or transmitting sound.

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microphone British  

/ ˈmaɪkrəˌfəʊn /

noun

1. Informal name: mike.  a device used in sound-reproduction systems for converting sound into electrical energy, usually by means of a ribbon or diaphragm set into motion by the sound waves. The vibrations are converted into the equivalent audio-frequency electric currents See also carbon microphone Compare loudspeaker

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Etymology

Origin of microphone

1875–80; micro-, in sense “enlarging” (extracted from microscope ) + -phone

Example Sentences

In a world where digital optimization can make just about anyone sound passable on the microphone, a pop singer with personality whose voice actually communicates stands out.

From The Wall Street Journal

Dalton lumbers by carrying a box of guitar and microphone cords.

From Literature

"What happened that day in Belfast was so important to me because every single time afterwards when I won a competition I went to the microphone," he recalled.

From BBC

Episodes generally begin the same way, with the sisters sitting behind a table with an old-fashioned radio-days microphone nicknamed “Mike-elangelo” between them.

From Los Angeles Times

Then public comment began, and one of the most celebrated chefs in the world stepped to the microphone.

From The Wall Street Journal