Chip
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/tʃɪp/
Definitions
1. (Noun) A small, thin piece or fragment, typically broken off from something larger, especially wood, stone, or food.
2. (Noun) A small, usually thin, slice of food, particularly a potato chip or similar snack.
3. (Noun) A small, flat piece of a computer or electronic device, such as a microchip.
4. (Verb) To break off or remove a small piece from something.
5. (Verb) To cut or carve a small piece or fragment from something.
Usage Examples
1. "He ate a bag of potato chips during the movie."
2. "A chip of paint fell off the wall."
3. "She chipped the glass by accident."
4. "The microchip in the device was malfunctioning."
5. "They chipped away at the stone to reveal the hidden carving."
Etymology
The word "chip" originates from Middle English "chipen," meaning "to break off," which comes from the Old French word "chip," derived from the Late Latin "cipus," meaning a small piece or fragment.
Synonyms
- Fragment
- Shard
- Sliver
- Slice
- Piece
Antonyms
- Whole
- Entirety
- Complete
- Undamaged
- Unbroken
Translations
Language |
Translation |
Pronunciation |
Spanish | Chip | /ʧɪp/ |
French | Puces | /pyus/ |
German | Chip | /tʃɪp/ |
Italian | Chip | /ʧɪp/ |
Chinese (Simplified) | 芯片 | /xīn piàn/ |
Japanese | チップ | /chippu/ |
Korean | 칩 | /chip/ |
Hindi | चिप | /chip/ |
Arabic | شريحة | /šarīḥa/ |
Russian | Чип | /ʧip/ |
Portuguese | Chip | /ʃɪp/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In some regions, particularly in informal speech, "chip" may be pronounced with a slight variation in tone or stress, especially in colloquial American and British English. The pronunciation remains consistent across most English-speaking regions, but subtle shifts may occur, especially when used to describe different meanings like a snack (potato chip) or a small piece of something.
Historical Usage
The term "chip" was historically used in the sense of a small fragment or piece, with its earliest recorded use dating back to the 14th century. Over time, its use expanded to include various meanings, such as small slices of food and electronic components. In the context of technology, the microchip emerged in the 1950s as a critical development in the evolution of computers and electronics.
Cultural Nuances
"Chip" can refer to both a snack food (like potato chips) and a fragment or small piece of something, creating a dual meaning that varies by context. In some cultures, especially in Western countries, chips (crisps) are a popular snack, while in others, the term may be more commonly associated with small, broken pieces of material. The rise of technology has also made "chip" synonymous with the microchip, an essential part of modern devices, affecting how the term is viewed in various fields, such as computing and electronics.
More Information
The word "chip" covers a wide range of meanings, depending on context. Whether referring to small pieces of food, fragments of material, or key components in modern technology, the term has evolved significantly over time. In the world of electronics, a "chip" usually refers to a small, integrated circuit used in devices like computers, smartphones, and household gadgets. The use of "chip" in snack foods, such as potato chips, originates from the process of slicing thin layers of potato, deep frying them, and seasoning them as a snack item.