microchip
MY-kroh-chip
/ˈmaɪkrəʊtʃɪp/
A tiny electronic chip implanted under an animal's skin for identification.
It is a passive device; it does not track location like a GPS, but rather provides a unique ID when scanned.
The story behind the word. A modern compound word combining the Greek 'mikros' (small) with the English 'chip' (a small piece of something). It entered the veterinary lexicon as technology allowed for rice-sized identification devices.
Word relationships
- ID chip: A more descriptive, less technical term.
Commonly confused with
- GPS tracker: A GPS tracker provides real-time location; a microchip only provides an ID number when scanned.
Collocations
- implant a microchip
- scan for a microchip
- microchip registration
Example sentences
- "Because the dog had a microchip, the shelter was able to contact the owners within an hour." Lost pet recovery.
- "The veterinarian will microchip the puppy during its first check-up." Veterinary procedure.
Memory hook
A MICRO (tiny) CHIP (computer part) for your pet. Tiny ID tag.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a GPS tracker; a microchip requires a scanner to be read.
Fun facts
- A pet microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and lasts for the pet's entire life.
Related words
Explore more words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.