microfiche: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “microfiche” mean?
A small sheet of microfilm containing multiple reduced-size pages of text or images, used for compact storage and retrieval of documents.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small sheet of microfilm containing multiple reduced-size pages of text or images, used for compact storage and retrieval of documents.
The technology or system of storing information on such sheets, often used in libraries and archives before digital databases became prevalent. Can also refer to the reader device used to view them.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. The technology was used similarly in both regions.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes outdated or historical archival methods, though it is still used in specific legacy systems.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in modern usage in both UK and US English, largely supplanted by digital terms.
Grammar
How to Use “microfiche” in a Sentence
[verb] + microfiche (e.g., consult the microfiche)microfiche + [of] + [document] (e.g., a microfiche of the newspaper)[preposition] + microfiche (e.g., available on microfiche)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “microfiche” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The microfiche reader was out of order.
- We maintain a microfiche archive of local newspapers.
American English
- The microfiche system is being phased out.
- Check the microfiche catalog for the 1985 edition.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts referring to converting or accessing old company records stored in this format.
Academic
Used when describing historical research methods or the preservation of old journals and theses.
Everyday
Very rare. Most younger speakers may not know the term.
Technical
Used in library science, archival studies, and records management to refer to specific legacy storage media.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “microfiche”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I will microfiche the documents' is non-standard; use 'microfilm' instead).
- Misspelling as 'microfische' or 'microfish'.
- Treating it as always uncountable (it can be countable: 'I need three microfiches').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are related but not identical. Microfiche is a flat sheet of film containing multiple images in a grid. Microfilm is a long, continuous roll of film. Microfiche is easier to file and retrieve for specific documents.
Yes, but its use is declining. Many libraries and archives still have microfiche collections that have not been digitised, and they maintain readers for public use. However, new information is rarely stored on microfiche.
No, it is not standard. The correct verb is 'microfilm' (e.g., 'We need to microfilm these documents').
The standard plural is 'microfiches', though 'microfiche' is sometimes used uncountably (e.g., 'a room full of microfiche').
A small sheet of microfilm containing multiple reduced-size pages of text or images, used for compact storage and retrieval of documents.
Microfiche is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Microfiche: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪ.krəʊ.fiːʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪ.kroʊ.fiːʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MICRO' (tiny) + 'FICHE' (sounds like 'fish' but is a French-derived word for 'slice' or 'card'). A tiny card for information.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION STORAGE IS SPACE COMPRESSION (microfiche compresses physical documents into a tiny space).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern connotation of the word 'microfiche'?