compute

[kuhm-pyoot]

verb (used with object)

computed, computing 

1. to determine by calculation; reckon; calculate.

   These early astronomers computed the period of Jupiter's revolution.

   Synonyms: figure, count, estimate

2. to determine by using a computer or calculator.

verb (used without object)

computed, computing 

1. to reckon; calculate.

2. to use a computer or calculator.

3. Informal.,  to make sense; add up.

   His reasons for doing that just don't compute.

noun

1. computation.

   Outer space is vast beyond compute.

2. the processing, memory, and storage resources required for a computer, network, or program to function.

   To meet today's business demands, you need a solid foundation of compute.

adjective

1. relating to or comprising the processing, memory, and storage resources required for a computer or program to function.

   The system uses intelligent load balancing so as to maximally utilize the available compute power.

compute

/ kəmˈpjuːt /

verb

1. to calculate (an answer, result, etc), often with the aid of a computer

noun

1. calculation; computation (esp in the phrase beyond compute )

Other Word Forms

• computable adjective
• computability noun
• computably adverb
• computist noun
• miscompute verb
• precompute verb
• recompute verb (used with object)
• uncomputable adjective
• uncomputableness noun
• uncomputably adverb
• uncomputed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of compute¹

First recorded in 1375–1425, for an earlier sense; 1580–90 compute for def. 6; (for the verb) from Latin computāre, from com- com- + putāre “to think”; (for the noun) late Middle English from Middle French from Late Latin computus “calculation, number,” noun derivative of computāre; count ¹, putative

Word History and Origins

Origin of compute¹

C17: from Latin computāre, from putāre to think

Example Sentences

Amazon's share price skyrocketed by more than ten percent on Thursday after the online retail behemoth reported better than expected earnings, powered by surging demand for its cloud computing services.

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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang this week endorsed hybrid computing, which combines traditional and quantum machines, as the future of quantum computing.

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Zuckerberg hinted at the idea of selling some of its excess computing power to outside customers if the group “overshoots” on its spending and infrastructure plans.

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Earlier this year, the company unveiled plans for a quantum computing research center, saying researchers would examine ways to link AI supercomputers with quantum computers.

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“Our compute needs have continued to expand meaningfully,” finance chief Susan Li told investors late Wednesday.

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Related Words

• figure out 
• gauge