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

The allegations centre on claims Jalal had illegally accessed a computer owned by an engineering business and tricked Hearts into paying him money owed to the company.

From BBC

They then sent a complicated jumble of computer code and asked me to run it as a command on my work laptop and report back what it said.

From BBC

Law enforcement sources with knowledge of the case but not authorized to speak publicly said investigators recovered various items from the home, including electronics and computers.

From Los Angeles Times

On Sept. 17, detectives served a search warrant at the home in the upscale neighborhood on Doheny Drive, where law enforcement sources with knowledge of the case said several electronic items, including computers, were seized.

From Los Angeles Times

Shortly thereafter her work cell phone and her work computer stopped working.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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