English Reference
adjective · noun · verb

micro

adj. · n. · v.
US /ˈmaɪˌkɹoʊ/ UK /mˈaɪkɹəʊ/ mi·cro UK spelling micros

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.very small in size or scale.

    adj.extremely small in scale, scope, or capability.

    Simple

    The company focuses on micro apartments for people living alone in the city.

    In context

    The startup specialises in micro-sensors designed to monitor soil moisture levels in real-time across vast agricultural landscapes.

    tinyminiaturesmall scale
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate InformalBritish English Cooking

    n.a common short name for a microwave oven.

    n.a colloquial clipping of microwave oven.

    Simple

    Just put the soup in the micro for two minutes to warm it up.

    In context

    The office kitchen was equipped with a basic micro and a kettle, which was sufficient for the staff's modest lunch requirements.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced AcademicInformal Economics

    n.the study of how individuals and small companies make financial decisions.

    n.a clipping of microeconomics, referring to the branch of economics that studies the behaviour of individuals and firms.

    Simple

    I found the micro exam much harder than the macro one.

    In context

    Students often struggle with the abstract mathematical models presented in introductory micro before they see their practical applications in market analysis.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced SlangInformal

    n.when a boss tries to control every small part of your work.

    n.a clipping of micromanagement, referring to a management style with excessive control over minor details.

    Simple

    I quit my last job because I couldn't stand the constant micro from my supervisor.

    In context

    The team's productivity plummeted due to the manager's incessant micro, which left no room for individual initiative or creative problem-solving.

    over management
  5. 05 C1 Advanced SlangInformal Computing

    v.to control every small detail of a person's work or a game's units.

    v.to micromanage; in gaming, to control individual units with high precision. Ambitransitive.

    Simple

    You need to micro your troops better if you want to win this battle.

    In context

    Professional players are known for their ability to micro multiple units simultaneously while maintaining a high-level strategic overview of the match.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated