microcomputer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Historical
Quick answer
What does “microcomputer” mean?
A small digital computer containing a microprocessor as its central processing unit, designed for use by one person at a time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small digital computer containing a microprocessor as its central processing unit, designed for use by one person at a time.
The term originally distinguished small, affordable personal computers from larger, more expensive minicomputers and mainframes; now often used historically or to refer to specialized embedded systems and single-board computers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both varieties use the term. Slight preference in UK English for 'micro' as a short form in historical/technical contexts.
Connotations
Both carry a somewhat dated, technical, or historical connotation. In American English, it may more strongly evoke the early home computer era (e.g., Apple II, Commodore 64).
Frequency
Equally low frequency in modern usage in both varieties. More likely found in historical texts, computer science courses, or discussions of hardware architecture.
Grammar
How to Use “microcomputer” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] microcomputer [VERB]A microcomputer for [NOUN/GERUND][NOUN] based on a microcomputerVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “microcomputer” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The microcomputer industry boomed in the 1980s.
- It's a microcomputer applications course.
American English
- The microcomputer revolution changed everything.
- He works in microcomputer sales.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare in modern business contexts. Might appear in historical case studies about the tech industry or in very technical hardware procurement for embedded systems.
Academic
Used in computer science and history of technology courses to describe a specific class of computing hardware from the late 20th century.
Everyday
Very rare. An older speaker might use it to refer to their first computer. Mostly understood but sounds dated.
Technical
Precise term in computer engineering for a complete computer system built around a microprocessor. Common in discussions of embedded systems, retro computing, and hardware design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “microcomputer”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “microcomputer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “microcomputer”
- Using 'microcomputer' to refer to a modern laptop or smartphone (technically true but stylistically odd).
- Confusing it with 'minicomputer' (a larger, multi-user system that preceded it).
- Spelling as two words: 'micro computer'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically yes, as it's a computer built around a microprocessor. However, the term 'microcomputer' is historically loaded and rarely used for contemporary devices; 'laptop', 'notebook', or 'PC' are the standard terms.
A minicomputer (mid-1960s–1980s) was a multi-user, medium-sized system larger and more powerful than a microcomputer but smaller than a mainframe. A microcomputer (mid-1970s onward) was designed for single-user use and was significantly smaller and cheaper.
The term became a victim of its own success. As all common computers became 'micro' in size, the distinguishing prefix lost its meaning. 'Personal computer' (PC) became the dominant generic term.
Architecturally, smartphones and tablets are powerful microcomputers with specialised input/output systems. In everyday language, they are never called microcomputers, as the term is firmly associated with an earlier era of desktop and home computers.
A small digital computer containing a microprocessor as its central processing unit, designed for use by one person at a time.
Microcomputer is usually technical/historical in register.
Microcomputer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪkrəʊkəmpjuːtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪkroʊkəmˌpjuːtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think MICRO (very small) + COMPUTER. It's a 'miniaturised' computer, much smaller than the room-sized computers that came before it.
Conceptual Metaphor
The computer as an appliance/tool (compare 'microwave oven' – a smaller, specialised version of a larger concept).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key characteristic of a classic microcomputer?