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. Compare analog computer, digital computer.
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 ) cyber-

      computer technology

2. a person who computes or calculates

computer

/ 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.

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 Words From

• com·put·er·like adjective
• non·com·put·er adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of computer¹

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

Example Sentences

After studying computer models of natural water flow — both saltwater and fresh — they begin a massive restoration project.

From Science News For Students

The device, in turn, can convert the handwritten text into more standard computer fonts.

From Fortune

A form of quantum teleportation will take place inside through the strange quantum mechanical properties of “superposition” and “entanglement” that make quantum computers hum—even if this device won’t zap my own body’s molecules to another planet.

From Fortune

These missions have delivered life-saving drugs, sparked the computer and internet revolutions, and put humans on the moon.

From MIT Technology Review

Younger kids may be making a big jump from mobile devices to traditional laptops or desktop computers, too, which might make them feel a bit lost.

From Popular-Science

In this war, the targeting is often happening on computer monitors thousands of miles away, capturing images from drones.

From The Daily Beast

The resources were what you might expect: Dining room, a media center, a library, a TV room, a meeting room, a computer room.

From The Daily Beast

Just a few short years ago, I sat down at my computer, and I typed out a similar goodbye letter.

From The Daily Beast

Turn off the TV, put down your phone, and log off the computer.

From The Daily Beast

He grew up both a computer geek in the early days of video games and an avid record collector.

From The Daily Beast

Somebody else led the way to a storeroom, tossed its contents into the hall, and festooned it with used computer tape.

From Project Gutenberg

The gears on the mechanical computer were really sharp and precise; they looked like you could cut yourself on them.

From Project Gutenberg

I want all of you to understand that the machine you will have to take care of is not just an ordinary computer.

From Project Gutenberg

Most people, if told that a man had said one thing, and that a computer had given a different answer, would rely on the computer.

From Project Gutenberg

It is further distinguished by the use of the zero, which enabled the computer to dispense with the columns of the Abacus.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• data processor
• desktop computer
• PC
• personal computer