hard-wired

American  

[hahrd-wahyuhrd] / ˈhɑrdˈwaɪərd /

Or hardwired

adjective

1. Computers.

   1. built into a computer's hardware and thus not readily changed.

   2. (of a terminal) connected to a computer by a direct circuit rather than through a switching network.

2. (of electrical or electronic components) connected by hardwiring.

3. pertaining to or being an intrinsic and relatively unmodifiable behavior pattern.

   Every cricket has a hard-wired pattern of chirps.

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hard-wired British  

adjective

1. (of a circuit or instruction) permanently wired into a computer, replacing separate software

2. (of human behaviour) innate; not learned

   humans have a hard-wired ability for acquiring language

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Etymology

Origin of hard-wired

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

While hard wired lights are preferred and relatively inexpensive to install, these days there are also a variety of solar powered lights that can quickly and easily enhance a home’s appeal.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 16, 2024

Lastly, every gadget I own is hard wired to the ethernet.

From The Verge • Mar. 8, 2022

They're certainly putting a sweet glaze on, because our brains are hard wired to respond favorably to salt, fat and sweet.

From Salon • May 25, 2019

I for one am interested to learn if greed and envy are hard wired in to us or is it a sickness that we have learned to live with.

From New York Times • Feb. 23, 2017

Tim Fountain, who is directing a play about Horsley at London's Soho Theatre, said Horsley was "hard wired for extremes."

From Seattle Times • Jun. 17, 2010