Abbreviation for “integrated circuit”, a small electronic device made of semiconductor material that contains many microscopic components such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors integrated into a single unit to perform a specific function.

The IC in the smartphone is responsible for processing all the data.

Abbreviation for “intensive care”, a specialized department in a hospital that provides close monitoring and life-support treatment for critically ill patients.

The patient was moved to IC after the surgery for close monitoring.

ICadjective

Relating to integrated circuits; used attributively before another noun.

IC design software has advanced rapidly in recent years.

Relating to intensive care in a medical context.

The hospital expanded its IC facilities to accommodate more critical patients.

ICinterjection

Used in electronic communication to mean “I see”; expresses acknowledgment or understanding.

IC, I’ll get started on that right away.