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miniaturize

C2
verb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /mˈɪnɪtʃərˌaɪz/

US

  • /ˈmɪnɪtʃərˌaɪz/

Description

To miniaturize something means to make it much smaller while keeping the same basic form or function. Think of a tiny model airplane that still looks like the real one, or a new device that does the same job as an older, larger machine. The word is especially common in technology, where engineers miniaturize electronics so computers, phones, and other tools can become smaller and easier to carry.

Imagine shrinking something large enough to hold in your hand while it still works or still looks right. That's the heart of the idea. You might see it when bulky equipment is redesigned into a handheld version, or when a detailed object is recreated as a much smaller copy.

Examples

  1. 1

    Phone cameras

    Over the years, phone cameras were miniaturized until they could fit inside a slim case.

  2. 2

    Medical devices

    The engineers miniaturized the sensor so the medical device could be worn on the wrist.

  3. 3

    Museum model

    For the museum, the designers miniaturized the entire harbor, down to the boats and streetlights.

  4. 4

    App design

    The app miniaturizes a full editing studio into something you can use on a tablet.

Forms and spellings

4 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • miniaturizeverb

Forms

  • miniaturizedpast tenseverb
  • miniaturizing-ing formverb
  • miniaturizesverb