computer

[kuhm-pyoo-ter]

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

/ 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

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of computer¹

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

Example Sentences

A recent spate of hacks has highlighted the chaos that can ensue when hackers take computer systems down.

Read more on BBC

But further details from the cycle computer showed just how visible she would have been.

Read more on BBC

The desktop computer transformed the labor market, for example, but for a while workers hunting and pecking on their keyboards didn’t know how to effectively use the technology.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Among the companies JPMorgan JPM -1.52%decrease; red down pointing triangle said it could invest in are producers of rare earths, the minerals needed to make computer chips, electric vehicles and other technologies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Ms Cañete says she is also passionate about encouraging more women to study computer engineering.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• PC 
• data processor www.thesaurus.com
• desktop computer www.thesaurus.com
• personal computer