microphone

/'maikrəfoun/
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Thân thiện
microphone

A singer holds a microphone on a brightly lit stage.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A device that converts sound waves into electrical signals: A microphone is an instrument that picks up sound and changes it into an electrical form so it can be amplified, recorded, or transmitted.
Usage
  • A microphone is used to capture audio. It is a key tool for communication, recording, and performance.
  • It is typically used with verbs like , , , , or .
  • Common contexts include public speaking, music recording, broadcasting, telephones, and live performances.
Examples
  • Noun:
    • The singer stepped up to the microphone and began her song.
    • Please speak directly into the microphone so the audience can hear you.
    • The journalist used a small, handheld microphone for the interview.
Advanced Usage
  • "To be on/at the microphone": To be the person currently speaking or performing using the microphone.
    • The host is at the microphone, welcoming the guests.
  • "To grab the microphone": To take control of the microphone, often suddenly or assertively.
    • During the debate, he grabbed the microphone to make his point.
Variants and Related Words
  • Mic (n): A common, informal short form of "microphone".
    • She tapped the mic to check if it was on.
  • Microphonic (adj): Relating to or characteristic of a microphone.
    • The microphonic feedback was causing a high-pitched squeal.
Synonyms
  • Mike (n, informal): A direct synonym for microphone.
  • Transducer (n, technical): A general term for a device that converts energy from one form to another; a microphone is a specific type of acoustic transducer.
Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Microphone" is a noun and does not typically form phrasal verbs. Actions are performed *with or on a microphone.)*

Related Idioms
  • "A live microphone": A microphone that is currently active and transmitting sound, implying that one must be careful what one says.
    • Be careful what you say; that's a live microphone.
  • "To drop the microphone" (or "mic drop"): To perform a dramatic, confident conclusion to a speech or performance, often by literally dropping the microphone. It symbolizes a definitive, unbeatable point.
    • After his powerful final argument, the lawyer figuratively dropped the microphone.
microphone

A singer holds a microphone on a brightly lit stage.

Noun
  1. device for converting sound waves into electrical energy