microphone
UK[ˈmaɪ.krə.fəʊn]US[ˈmaɪ.krə.foʊn]
n
an instrument for converting sound waves into electrical energy variations, which may then be amplified, transmitted, or recorded.
n
a device containing such an instrument, used for broadcasting, recording, or amplifying the voice or other sounds.
Morpheme Breakdown
micro
phone
micro
small
phone
sound
Etymology
the word 'microphone' is a modern scientific compound formed from two classical greek roots. the first element, 'micro-', derives from 'mikros', meaning 'small'. the second element, '-phone', originates from 'phōnē', signifying 'sound' or 'voice'. the term was coined in the 17th century, initially for an acoustic instrument that amplified weak sounds, literally a 'small-sound' device. with the advent of electrical technology in the 19th century, the meaning evolved to describe a transducer that converts minute sound pressure variations into electrical signals, maintaining the core concept of making small sounds large and audible.
Analysis
Structure: micro (small) + phone (sound)
micro: from greek 'mikros', meaning 'small'. functions as a combining form denoting small size or scale.
phone: from greek 'phōnē', meaning 'sound, voice'. functions as a combining form denoting sound or voice.
Examples
she spoke confidently into the microphone.
the singer's microphone feedback created a high-pitched squeal.
for the online meeting, you'll need a working microphone and webcam.