microchip

[ mahy-kroh-chip ]

noun

, Electronics.

1. chip ¹( def 5 ).

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

/ mī′krə-chĭp′ /

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 .

Notes

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

The recycling centre takes in waste from across the UK and the tortoise has a microchip that is not registered to a location.

From BBC

As with cars and microchips, the patriotic thing would seem to be to advocate for products made in America with American labor — and, as a local booster, made in Hollywood.

From Los Angeles Times

Her daily dedication to those tasks evolves into something that, even embodied by circuitry and microchips encased in metal, can only be love.

From Los Angeles Times

She said staff immediately scanned the pet for a microchip, and it had one.

From Los Angeles Times

Her job also includes combining technology and the human body - she implants microchips into people's hands, carrying out about 100 per year.

From BBC

Related Words

• chip
• circuitry
• microprocessor
• silicon chip