Tiny electric circuits printed on thin pieces of silicon are called integrated circuits or microchips.

Here's a breakdown:

* Integrated Circuit (IC): This is the broader term for any circuit where components are miniaturized and integrated onto a single substrate.

* Microchip: This is a more specific term often used for integrated circuits made from silicon. It emphasizes the small size and complexity of the circuit.

So, "microchip" is a specific type of integrated circuit. Both terms refer to the same technology: tiny, intricate electronic circuits built on a single piece of silicon.