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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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 team focused on two major obstacles that make it difficult to generate a reliable stream of single photons, which are essential for photonic quantum computers and secure communication networks.

From Science Daily

But when American researchers downloaded and ran Chinese models on their own computers in the U.S., much of the censorship vanished.

From The Wall Street Journal

Bitcoin-mining—using vast computer power to solve equations to unlock the digital currency—has been a lucrative and cutting-edge pursuit in its own right.

From The Wall Street Journal

He used encrypted computer servers and fishing-related code names to communicate with those running his offshore empire, the government alleged.

From The Wall Street Journal

The brokerage firm announcements follow those of a handful of other companies, including Dell Technologies, founded by Michael Dell, the computer company’s current chairman and CEO.

From Barron's

Related Words

• PC
• data processor
• desktop computer
• personal computer