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

"We see them all on cameras but we wanted to be able to microchip them so we can identify them individually," said McDonald.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Whichever substance will win must be compatible with existing microchip fabrication processes, because so many billions have already been invested in them, says Kaiying Wang of the University of South-Eastern Norway.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 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

Duke knows the microchip is really a listening device.

From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

• chip
• circuitry
• microprocessor
• silicon chip