logic circuit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialist/Very Low in general discourse)Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “logic circuit” mean?
An electronic circuit that performs a basic logical operation (AND, OR, NOT, etc.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An electronic circuit that performs a basic logical operation (AND, OR, NOT, etc.) on one or more binary inputs to produce a single binary output.
The fundamental building block of digital electronics and computing, physically implementing Boolean algebra. Collections of logic circuits form more complex systems like adders, memory units, and microprocessors.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciation of 'logic' may follow regional patterns.
Connotations
Identical technical meaning in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and confined to technical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “logic circuit” in a Sentence
[Noun] + logic circuit (e.g., transistor-transistor logic circuit)logic circuit + [prepositional phrase] (e.g., logic circuit for addition)logic circuit + [that-clause] (e.g., a logic circuit that inverts the signal)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “logic circuit” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [The term itself is a compound noun. Adjectival use is rare, e.g., 'logic-circuit design']
American English
- [The term itself is a compound noun. Adjectival use is rare, e.g., 'logic-circuit simulation']
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in procurement or R&D contexts, e.g., 'The chip's cost is driven by the density of its logic circuits.'
Academic
Core term in computer science, electrical engineering, and physics modules on digital design.
Everyday
Extremely rare. A layperson might encounter it when reading about computer hardware.
Technical
Standard, fundamental term. Used in datasheets, design documents, and technical discussions about digital hardware architecture.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “logic circuit”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “logic circuit”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “logic circuit”
- Misspelling as 'logical circuit' (less common but not incorrect). Confusing it with a broader 'electronic circuit'. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to logic circuit' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A computer chip (microprocessor) contains millions or billions of interconnected logic circuits, along with memory and other components. A logic circuit is a basic component within a chip.
The most fundamental are the gates: AND, OR, NOT (inverter), NAND, NOR, XOR, and XNOR. These are the building blocks for all digital hardware.
Yes. For example, a three-input AND gate outputs true (1) only if all three of its inputs are true. The logic function scales according to Boolean algebra.
You wouldn't see an individual one with the naked eye in modern devices. They are microscopic structures etched onto silicon chips. In educational settings, they are often built on breadboards using discrete integrated circuits (ICs) containing a few gates.
An electronic circuit that performs a basic logical operation (AND, OR, NOT, etc.
Logic circuit is usually technical/formal in register.
Logic circuit: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒdʒ.ɪk ˈsɜː.kɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɑː.dʒɪk ˈsɝː.kɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think LOGIC CIRCUIT = LOGIC (makes decisions like AND/OR) + CIRCUIT (a closed path for electricity). It's the electric brain cell that follows strict true/false rules.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SWITCHING NETWORK or a DECISION-MAKING BUILDING BLOCK.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a logic circuit?