micro: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal as a prefix; informal as a standalone noun for 'microwave'.
Quick answer
What does “micro” mean?
Extremely small.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Extremely small; on a scale of one millionth (10⁻⁶) or denoting something very small in size, scope, or duration.
Often used as a prefix or standalone noun referring to computers (microcomputers), management (micromanagement), or small-scale phenomena (microeconomics). Also used colloquially for a microwave oven.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a noun for 'microwave oven', 'micro' is common in UK informal speech. In the US, 'microwave' is almost always used in full.
Connotations
In business/tech contexts, 'micro' has the same neutral, technical connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
The standalone noun 'micro' (for microwave) has very high frequency in UK casual speech, but low frequency in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “micro” in a Sentence
[micro-] + NOUN (microchip)ADJ + [micro] (portable micro)VERB + [micro] (put it in the micro)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “micro” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'll just micro the peas for two minutes.
American English
- (Rare as a verb; US speakers would say 'microwave the peas'.)
adverb
British English
- (Extremely rare as an adverb; no standard examples.)
American English
- (Extremely rare as an adverb; no standard examples.)
adjective
British English
- It's a micro flat, but the location is perfect.
American English
- The focus is on micro trends in consumer behaviour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to small businesses or niches (micro-enterprise, micro-investing).
Academic
Used extensively in sciences (microbiology, microphysics) and social sciences (microeconomics, micro-sociology).
Everyday
Casually refers to a microwave oven (UK) or small things (micro-scooter).
Technical
Precise measurement prefix (micrometre, microsecond) or tech term (microprocessor, microcontroller).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “micro”
- Using 'micro' as a standalone adjective in formal writing (use 'microscopic' or 'tiny').
- Confusing 'micro' with 'mini' (micro is smaller; mini is just 'smaller than standard').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is both a productive prefix and a standalone informal noun (chiefly British) meaning 'microwave oven' or, in tech contexts, 'microcomputer'.
'Micro' implies something extremely small, often at a microscopic or millionth scale. 'Mini' simply means a smaller version of something standard (e.g., mini cooper, mini skirt).
As a prefix (microbiology, micro-analysis), yes. As a standalone word, it is generally too informal for academic prose, except in specific compound terms.
The prefix is always pronounced /ˈmaɪ.krə/ (UK) or /ˈmaɪ.kroʊ/ (US), with the stress on the first syllable, which merges with the following word.
Extremely small.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for the standalone word; prefix is not idiomatic]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MICROscope used to see extremely MICROscopic things.
Conceptual Metaphor
SMALL IS INSIGNIFICANT / PRECISE (e.g., 'micro-manage' implies excessive attention to small details).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'micro' commonly used as a standalone noun for a microwave oven?