microphyte (mikrofit)

[F. microphyte, habits. IMG:content-0600.jpg:[blocks in formation] voice, sound.] An instrument for augmenting small sounds. The instrument invented for this pur pose by Mr. Hughes in 1878 is based on the fact that when substances po e ing little electrical conductivity are placed in the course of an electric current, the conductivity of the system is much increased by even the very smallest amount of pre ure. The instrument has various forms, but in most of them one piece of charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it by the air or by any other medium. The two external pieces are placed in connection with telephantsounds caused by a fly walking on the wooden support of the microphone appear as loud as the tramp of a horse. By suitable arrangements the sounds of the human voice conveyed from a distance by the telephone can be made audible in every part of a hall. - Microphone relay, a deli cate microphone mounted on or connected with the membrane of the receiving telephone, as a relay. See relay. microphonic (mi-kro-fonik), a. [As microphone + -ic.] Of or pertaining to to or obtained by means of the microphone; serving to intensify small or weak sounds; microcoustic. Also micro phono us. A large induction-coil is e ential in connection with the transmitter when this receiver is used, and any mi crophonic T. transmitter D. Lock wood , will Elect., answer. Mag., and Teleg., p. 315. Micro pod a . like. Micro pod a (mi-krop'ō-da), n. pl. [NL.,