CD-ROM

American  

[see-dee-rom] / ˈsiˌdiˈrɒm /

noun

Computers.

1. a compact disk on which a large amount of digitized read-only data can be stored.

---

CD-ROM British  

/ -ˈrɒm /

noun

1. compact disc read-only memory; a compact disc used with a computer system as a read-only optical disk

---

CD-ROM Scientific  

/ sē′dē′rŏm′ /

1. A compact disk containing permanently stored data that cannot be altered.

---

CD-ROM Cultural  

1. An acronym for c ompact d isc-r ead o nly m emory. Commonly known as CDs, these plastic discs hold information that can be read by laser. (Compare magnetic tape.)

---

Etymology

Origin of CD-ROM

First recorded in 1980–85; shortening of c(ompact) d(isk) r(ead-)o(nly) m(emory)

Example Sentences

Since full-motion video games weren’t quite at the crisp visual quality for home consoles with modern CD-ROM limitations, Anderson approached making the game as a frame-by-frame experiment.

From Los Angeles Times

Early CD-ROM technology offered high storage capacity but slow loading times that fit the slow-paced, contemplative style of the game.

From Seattle Times

Court documents show that the coast guard captain gave the authorities a CD-ROM containing video recordings, but the source of the recordings is unclear, and they have not been made public.

From New York Times

Things like the Tamagotchi, an inflatable couch, a Pizza Hut Book It coupon, and a desktop computer with a CD-ROM and dial-up modem noises.

From Washington Post

As computers became popular in the 1980s, Mr. Englander created an interactive CD-ROM guide to Mozart’s opera “The Magic Flute.”

From Washington Post