micro meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

micro

adj

UK /ˈmaɪ.kɹəʊ/ · US /ˈmaɪ.kɹoʊ/

Etymology From micro-, typically as shortened forms for modern words formed with the prefix, ultimately from Ancient Greek μικρός (mikrós, “small”).

Very small in scale or scope.

At the micro level, he was a good manager. At the macro level, he failed.
Financial independence and micro retirement have come to represent the autonomy I've created for myself, which is a powerful feeling.2025 May 26, Joshua Nelken-Zitser, “I 'micro-retired' in my 30s by investing every dollar from my side income. It sounds almost too simple to be true, but it works.”, in Business Insider, archived from the original on 03 Jun 2025:

Derived terms: micro bangs, micro org, micro trenching, semimicro, supermicro, Warburg micro syndrome

noun

Etymology From micro-, typically as shortened forms for modern words formed with the prefix, ultimately from Ancient Greek μικρός (mikrós, “small”).

7 senses

Abbreviation, Clipping, Colloquial Clipping of microwave (“microwave oven”).

Just put it in the micro for 30 seconds and it's ready to eat.
Yes. A nutritional dinner that will taste so good it’ll knock your socks off and maybe change your world—or at least your way of eating. I’d have to cook it at your place, though—all I have in my cottage is a hot plate, fridgie and a micro. But I’d provide everything.2013, Susan Andersen, chapter 14, in Some Like it Hot, Don Mills, Ont.: Harlequin HQN, →ISBN, page 177:

Economics, Sciences Abbreviation, Clipping, Colloquial Clipping of microeconomics.

Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences Abbreviation, Clipping, Dated Clipping of microcomputer.

If you can possibly afford to spend a few more pounds then you should move up into the next price bracket, where the potential of the home micro starts to be realised.1984, Mike Gerrard, Bryan Skinner, Mr Chips comes home: micros and home education, page 23:
So what sort of hero is this bounding, bomb collecting midget? The answer is an arcade hero - and now he's let loose in your micro courtesy of conversion kings, Elite.1986-05, Rachael Smith, “Bomb Jack”, in Your Sinclair, number 5 (video game review):

Games, Gaming Abbreviation, Clipping, Slang Clipping of micromanagement.

Abbreviation, Clipping, Colloquial Clipping of microphile.

Abbreviation, Clipping, Colloquial Clipping of microphilia.

Also, Colloquial In the context of microphilia, one who is abnormally very small.