microchip

[mahy-kroh-chip]

noun

Electronics.

1. chip.

microchip

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌtʃɪp /

noun

1. a small piece of semiconductor material carrying many integrated circuits

verb

1. (tr) to implant (an animal) with a microchip tag linked to a national computer network for purposes of identification

microchip

1. See integrated circuit

microchip

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.

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of microchip¹

First recorded in 1965–70; micro- + chip ¹

Example Sentences

Unlike modern debit or credit cards, EBT cards traditionally have not had microchips, making them especially easy to clone.

From Los Angeles Times

Sometimes referred to as microchips or integrated circuits, they are made from tiny fragments of raw materials, such as silicon.

From BBC

The business also had high-performance microchips capable of being used in the development of AI technology, such as in self-driving cars and medical diagnosis systems, officials said.

From Los Angeles Times

The model was to become a dedicated foundry for microchips, manufacturing other companies' designs.

From BBC

Northern Ireland will receive money to develop defence equipment, while south Wales will use the money to design microchips used to power mobile phones and electric cars.

From BBC

Related Words

• chip 
• circuitry 
• microprocessor 
• silicon chip