# SMT

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/smt
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

Stands for Surface Mount Technology. A method of building electronic circuits where components are placed directly on the surface of a printed circuit board instead of being inserted into holes.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Surface Mount Technology. A method of producing printed circuit boards (PCBs) by mounting electronic components directly onto the surface of the board, as opposed to through-hole technology.

## Examples

- The manufacturer switched to SMT to make the devices smaller.
- Using SMT allows for much higher component density on a PCB compared to traditional through-hole assembly.
- The transition from through-hole to SMT in the mid-1980s revolutionized the electronics industry by enabling the miniaturization of consumer electronics and the mass production of complex integrated circuits.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.