microchip
UK: ˈmaɪkrəʊtʃɪp | US: ˈmaɪkroʊtʃɪp
n. a tiny piece of semiconductor material (usually silicon) containing electronic circuits, used in computers and other devices.
vt. to implant a microchip (e.g., in an animal for identification).
microchip = micro<small> + chip<piece>
- micro: From Greek mikros (small), used in English to denote things on a tiny scale (e.g., microscope, microwave).
- chip: From Old English cipp (small piece of wood), later generalized to small fragments (e.g., potato chip, silicon chip).
Etymology Origin:
The term emerged in the mid-20th century with advancements in electronics. "Micro" highlights miniaturization, while "chip" refers to the thin, sliced silicon wafers used in circuit fabrication. The combination reflects the technology’s core innovation: shrinking complex circuits onto tiny substrates.
The latest smartphones use advanced microchips for faster processing.
Scientists developed a microchip that can monitor health in real time.
All pets in the shelter are required to be microchipped.
The microchip industry drives global technological progress.
A single microchip can contain billions of transistors.