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English

IC

|I-C|

B2

/ˌaɪˈsiː/

miniaturized electronic circuits

Etymology
Etymology Information

'IC' as 'integrated circuit' originates from the combination of 'integrated', meaning 'combined into a whole', and 'circuit', meaning 'a closed path'.

Historical Evolution

'IC' as 'integrated circuit' was first used in the 1960s as technology advanced to create smaller and more efficient electronic components.

Meaning Changes

Initially, 'IC' referred specifically to the physical chip, but now it encompasses the broader concept of miniaturized electronic circuits.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

an abbreviation for 'integrated circuit', a set of electronic circuits on one small flat piece (or 'chip') of semiconductor material.

The IC is a crucial component in modern electronics.

Synonyms

Noun 2

an abbreviation for 'intensive care', a specialized department in a hospital that provides intensive treatment medicine.

The patient was moved to the IC unit after surgery.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41