microchip

American  

[mahy-kroh-chip] / ˈmaɪ kroʊˌtʃɪp /

noun

Electronics.

1. chip.

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microchip British  

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌtʃɪp /

noun

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

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verb

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

microchip Scientific  

/ mī′krə-chĭp′ /

1. See integrated circuit

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microchip Cultural  

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.

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Discover More

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.

Etymology

Origin of microchip

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

Example Sentences

Asia and Europe face severe risks, microchip makers face helium shortages, and farmers struggle with higher fertilizer costs.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

The firm has done so using complex financial maneuvers, like creating investment-grade debt backed by shares in hard assets such as microchip factories.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

Engineers have taken a major step toward producing the smallest earthquakes ever created, shrinking seismic-style vibrations down to the scale of a microchip.

From Science Daily • Jan. 17, 2026

It had no tag or microchip, and detectives are continuing to seek information to identify its owner, police said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2025

"Before the nefarious Dr. Loofah puts the microchip in his back!" barks Scruffy.

From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

• chip
• circuitry
• microprocessor
• silicon chip