microchip
A tiny piece of silicon or other semiconductor material containing complex electronic circuits used to process or store information. It is the fundamental building block of modern electronic devices, from smartphones to medical equipment.
Examples
3 of 5Modern smartphones rely on a powerful microchip to perform complex tasks instantly.
Current mobile phones depend on a small electronic circuit to handle complicated operations quickly.
The government has proposed an initiative to increase domestic microchip production to ensure technological sovereignty.
The state suggested a plan to boost local production of electronic chips to protect national technology interests.
My old gaming console keeps crashing; I think the microchip might be overheating.
My older game system is failing because its internal processor is likely getting too hot.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Remember 'micro' means tiny and 'chip' is a small piece of something; it is a tiny piece of silicon that holds a giant amount of data.
Quick Quiz
The automotive industry suffered a major setback due to a global _______ shortage.
Correct!
The correct answer is: microchip
Examples
Modern smartphones rely on a powerful microchip to perform complex tasks instantly.
everydayCurrent mobile phones depend on a small electronic circuit to handle complicated operations quickly.
The government has proposed an initiative to increase domestic microchip production to ensure technological sovereignty.
formalThe state suggested a plan to boost local production of electronic chips to protect national technology interests.
My old gaming console keeps crashing; I think the microchip might be overheating.
informalMy older game system is failing because its internal processor is likely getting too hot.
Researchers are investigating how microchip architecture can be optimized for quantum computing applications.
academicScientists are studying ways to improve the design of electronic chips for use in quantum computers.
The quarterly report highlights a 15% increase in microchip sales within the automotive sector.
businessThe business report shows that sales of electronic chips for cars rose by 15 percent this quarter.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
the microchip era
the modern age defined by advanced electronic computing
microchip fabrication
the industrial process of making electronic chips
get microchipped
to have a small electronic identification device implanted
Often Confused With
A microprocessor is a specific type of microchip that acts as the 'brain' (CPU) of a computer, whereas microchip is a more general term.
Hardware refers to all physical parts of a computer system, while a microchip is just one specific component.
Usage Notes
Though technically a noun, it is frequently used as an attributive adjective in phrases like 'microchip industry' or 'microchip design.' It is a common topic in IELTS exams related to technology and science.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'microchip' to refer to the entire device (like a USB drive) rather than the tiny component inside. Avoid using it as a verb for anything other than the act of implanting a chip (e.g., microchipping a dog).
Memory Tip
Remember 'micro' means tiny and 'chip' is a small piece of something; it is a tiny piece of silicon that holds a giant amount of data.
Word Origin
From the Greek 'mikros' (small) and the English 'chip' (a small piece of wood or stone), first used in the mid-1950s with the advent of integrated circuits.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many countries, it is legally required or common practice to microchip domestic pets for identification purposes.
Quick Quiz
The automotive industry suffered a major setback due to a global _______ shortage.
Correct!
The correct answer is: microchip
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