What does microampere mean?
A microampere is a unit of electric current in the International System of Units, equal to one-millionth of an ampere. It is commonly used in electronics and electrical engineering to measure small currents, often in devices such as multimeters or circuit testers. The microampere is an important unit of measurement, allowing for precise calculations and specifications in the design and testing of electronic circuits. As a relatively small unit of measurement, it is often used in applications where low currents are being measured or controlled.
nounA unit of electric current, equal to one-millionth of an ampere.
- A unit of electric current
"The device measured the current in microamperes to ensure accuracy."
"The multimeter displayed the current reading in microamperes."
"The circuit required a precise measurement of 10 microamperes."
Used as a countable unit.
"The circuit required 10 microamperes to function properly."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of microampere
The term 'microampere' originated from the combination of 'micro-', a prefix meaning one-millionth, and 'ampere', the SI unit of electric current. The term has been in use since the early 20th century, as electrical engineers needed a way to measure and express small currents in electronic devices.
Usage notes
Often abbreviated as μA. Used in electronics and electrical engineering to measure small currents.