microphone

noun

1. an instrument capable of transforming sound waves into changes in electric currents or voltage, used in recording or transmitting sound.

noun

1. a device used in sound-reproduction systems for converting sound into electrical energy, usually by means of a ribbon or diaphragm set into motion by the sound waves. The vibrations are converted into the equivalent audio-frequency electric currentsInformal name: mike See also carbon microphone Compare loudspeaker

n.1680s, “ear trumpet for the hard-of-hearing,” coined from Greek mikros “small” (see mica) + phone “sound” (see fame (n.)). Modern meaning dates from 1929, from use in radio broadcasting and movie recording. Earlier, “amplifying telephone transmitter” (1878). Of the two spellings of the short form of the word, mike (1927) is older than mic (1961).