microcontroller

noun

mi·​cro·​con·​trol·​ler ˈmī-krō-kən-ˌtrō-lər 

plural microcontrollers

: an integrated circuit that contains a microprocessor along with memory and associated circuits and that controls some or all of the functions of an electronic device (such as a home appliance) or system

Examples of microcontroller in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These cores serve as microcontrollers and security processors, managing tasks like power, telemetry, and safety-critical logic, where lightweight, highly customizable architectures excel. —Dave Altavilla, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025

While Zippy uses the same basic mechanism as Mugatu – which includes a motor, battery and microcontroller – its small size has necessitated the addition of a mechanical hard stop to act as a joint limit for its hip. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 23 May 2025

Each box has a robot to assemble that illustrates a STEM principle, complete with a battery and an Arduino microcontroller. —Adrienne So, Wired News, 17 May 2025

The project started when Gillard came upon a super cheap Raspberry Pi Pico and did some research into what others had achieved with the microcontroller loved by makers. —Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for microcontroller

• arteriolar
• ambipolar
• areolar
• bronchiolar
• circumpolar
• equimolar
• monopolar
• multipolar
• nucleolar
• unipolar
• vacuolar
• bipolar