Microcircuits

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A microelectronic component consisting of interconnected electronic devices that perform functions in miniature form
2. A tiny assembly of electronic elements designed to carry out specific tasks within various technologies
3. A small-scale integrated circuit that enables complex operations in many digital devices by housing multiple components in a compact layout

Etymology: The plural here is simply the plural of "microcircuit," so the real story lies in its two halves. "Circuit" came into English from Old French "circuit," ultimately from Latin "circuitus," meaning a going around, which is why an electrical circuit is a path the current travels in a loop. The first half, "micro-," comes from Ancient Greek "mīkrós," meaning small, and it entered English as a prefix in the modern scientific vocabulary. Put together, the compound describes a tiny circuit: a single microelectronic assembly in which many interconnected electronic devices are packed onto one small piece of material to carry out functions in miniature form. The plural "microcircuits" simply refers to several such components.