TechnologyJuly 5, 2026
wafer
/ˈweɪfər/
Definition
A thin, circular slice of semiconductor material, such as silicon, used as the base substrate upon which integrated circuits and microchips are fabricated.
Etymology
Originating from Middle English 'wafre', it initially referred to a thin, honeycomb-patterned cake. The term was later adopted by the electronics industry in the 20th century to describe the thin, flat physical shape of sliced semiconductor material.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe a competitor as a 'Wafer Giant,' highlighting the foundational hardware role in manufacturing the advanced processors that compete with major AI infrastructure providers.
Marvell Technology (MRVL) Rides AI Demand, Is The Stock Now Too Expensive?
Read the full article ↗Simply Wall Street