computer

American  

[kuhm-pyoo-ter] / kəmˈpyu tər /

noun

1. a programmable electronic device designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display the results of these operations. Mainframes, desktop and laptop computers, tablets, and smartphones are some of the different types of computers.

2. a computer program or algorithm.

   A computer can write a pop tune, but there's no guarantee it will be a hit.

3. a person who computes; computist.

---

computer British  

/ kəmˈpjuːtə /

noun

1. 1. a device, usually electronic, that processes data according to a set of instructions. The digital computer stores data in discrete units and performs arithmetical and logical operations at very high speed. The analog computer has no memory and is slower than the digital computer but has a continuous rather than a discrete input. The hybrid computer combines some of the advantages of digital and analog computers See also digital computer analog computer hybrid computer

   2. ( as modifier )

      computer technology

2. a person who computes or calculates

---

computer Scientific  

/ kəm-pyo̅o̅′tər /

1. A programmable machine that performs high-speed processing of numbers, as well as of text, graphics, symbols, and sound. All computers contain a central processing unit that interprets and executes instructions; input devices, such as a keyboard and a mouse, through which data and commands enter the computer; memory that enables the computer to store programs and data; and output devices, such as printers and display screens, that show the results after the computer has processed data.

---

computer Cultural  

1. An electronic device that stores and manipulates information. Unlike a calculator, it is able to store a program and retrieve information from its memory. Most computers today are digital, which means they perform operations with quantities represented electronically as digits.

---

Other Word Forms

• computerlike adjective
• noncomputer adjective

Etymology

Origin of computer

First recorded in 1640–50; compute + -er ¹; compare Middle French computeur

Example Sentences

The niche compact computers, currently made in Asia, account for less than 5% of Mac sales.

From BBC

HP dialed down expectations for its fiscal year as it continues to face higher costs for the memory chips used in its computers.

From The Wall Street Journal

While Mac computers are important to Apple’s ecosystem, they aren’t the top seller for the company.

From Barron's

Ms. Neuberger argues that the risk of hackers using AI to accelerate their attacks on our computer systems requires us to use AI to defend those systems, as manual human intervention is too slow.

From The Wall Street Journal

AI agents that can operate computers, log in to accounts, and act autonomously on behalf of a company or individual could cause a huge shake-up in various industries, Citrini writes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• PC
• data processor
• desktop computer
• personal computer