microchip
/ˈmaɪ.krəʊ.tʃɪp/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A tiny electronic chip used in computers and other devices. It stores and processes information.
- The phone has a new microchip.
- This microchip makes the device faster.
verb
To put a microchip into a person or animal, so it can be identified later.
- The vet will microchip the puppy.
- They microchipped the cat yesterday.
Adinary Nuance
A microchip is usually smaller and more specific than a chip. In everyday speech, people often say chip for the same thing, especially in electronics. Use microchip when you want to stress the tiny size or the device-tracking meaning.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- vi mạch
- Spanish
- microchip
- Chinese
- 微芯片
- Japanese
- マイクロチップ
- Korean
- 마이크로칩
Etymology
Microchip appeared in English in the mid-20th century. It combines micro-, meaning “very small,” with chip, for a small piece of semiconductor material.
Common phrases
microchip technologymicrochip implantmicrochip a petmicrochip manufacturer
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is microchip the same as chip?
- Often, yes. Microchip is more specific and stresses the tiny size.
- Can I use microchip for pets?
- Yes. It means putting a tiny identification chip under the skin.
- Is microchip formal or common?
- It is common in technology and pet-care writing, and normal in speech.