microphone

[mahy-kruh-fohn]

noun

1. an instrument capable of transforming sound waves into changes in electric currents or voltage, used in recording or transmitting sound.

microphone

/ ˈmaɪkrəˌfəʊn /

noun

1. Informal name: mike. a device used in sound-reproduction systems for converting sound into electrical energy, usually by means of a ribbon or diaphragm set into motion by the sound waves. The vibrations are converted into the equivalent audio-frequency electric currents See also carbon microphone Compare loudspeaker

Word History and Origins

Origin of microphone¹

1875–80; micro-, in sense “enlarging” (extracted from microscope ) + -phone

Example Sentences

Wearing the Wizard’s green top hat and suit and with his microphone dropping out inauspiciously, Dolan never introduced himself, but he did compliment the other creators of the event, who also wore costumes.

From Los Angeles Times

It uses a microphone to analyse subtle differences in heartbeat and blood flow that the human ear cannot detect.

From BBC

Open champion berated Allensworth at the chair and insulted him while leaning into a microphone to address the crowd.

From Los Angeles Times

He then started berating Allensworth, seeming to ask him, “Are you a man?” more than once before leaning into the microphone behind the chair to address the crowd.

From Los Angeles Times

Hicks, who grasped the microphone to share words of wisdom on Sunday, was handed his literal flowers from Ansom midway through the day’s events.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• mic 
• mike