microelectromechanical
MY-kroh-ee-LEK-troh-muh-KAN-i-kuhl
Definition
Refers to miniature devices that integrate both electrical and mechanical components on a microscopic scale, often fabricated using semiconductor manufacturing techniques.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'mikros' (small), the Latin 'electrum' (amber/electricity), and the Greek 'mekhanikos' (of a machine), combining these roots to describe systems that merge electronics with physical, moving parts at a micro scale.
In the news
The article lists microelectromechanical systems as a potential future application for piezoelectric diamond membranes, where their unique physical properties could be utilized in compact sensors or devices.
Diamond was classed as non-piezoelectric for more than a century—but HKU researchers have now bent ultrathin polycrystalline diamond membranes and generated stable, repeatable voltages, revealing an electrical response created by symmetry-breaking
Read the full article ↗ScienceBlog.com