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📏 Very small size 📷 A tiny camera 🔌 A tiny component
subminiature

subminiature

8.8
A very small electronic part often used in early radios
  • noun
  • /ˌsʌbˈmɪnɪtʃər/
  • Archaic
translation icon : subminiatura
  • When repairing vintage electronics, I often come across subminiature vacuum tubes that are essential for maintaining the device's performance.

Examples

  • The diodes are available in industry-standard packages such as the SOT-23, SOD-323, and the subminiature SOD-523, as well as in chip form.

    Academic text (2002)

  • The Model S subminiature flush diaphragm pressure sensor is a small, rugged submersible transducer that features a 0.025-in.-diameter flush diaphragm.

    Academic text (2001)

  • Designs, engineers, and manufactures a wide range of ultrahigh vacuum subminiature-D electrical feedthroughs with air and UHV-compatible connector-fitted cable assemblies.

    Academic text (2004)

  • The engineer used a subminiature component to save space in the compact design of the radio.

  • For his project, he selected a subminiature sensor that fit perfectly into the limited space of the prototype.

How Small

subminiature
  • Archaic
8.8
standard
675 2.7

Surface Forms

subminiature singular
subminiatures plural

Morphology

subminiature = miniature (transparent) = sub + miniature

Adding 'sub-' to the adjective 'miniature' straightforwardly yields 'even smaller than miniature', which maps to very small components.

Etymology

Subminiature comes from the parts sub- 'under' and miniature 'very small', so it means 'even smaller than small'. That's why a subminiature tube is a tiny electronic part used in old radios and instruments.