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input

[in-poo t]
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noun
  1. something that is put in.
  2. the act or process of putting in.
  3. the power or energy supplied to a machine.
  4. the current or voltage applied to an electric or electronic circuit or device.Compare output(def 4).
  5. Computers.
    1. data to be entered into a computer for processing.
    2. the process of introducing data into the internal storage of a computer.
  6. contribution of information, ideas, opinions, or the like: Before making a decision we need your input.
  7. the available data for solving a technical problem.
  8. Scot. a monetary contribution, as to charity.
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adjective
  1. of or relating to data or equipment used for input: The goal is to reduce input costs.
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verb (used with object), in·put·ted or in·put, in·put·ting.
  1. Computers. to enter (data) into a computer for processing.
  2. to contribute (ideas, information, or suggestions) to a project, discussion, etc.
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Origin of input

First recorded in 1745–55; in-1 + put
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

absorptioncriticismremarkobservationdiscussionnotementionopinionreportcommentaryjudgmentreviewgrantadditionimprovementincreasedonationinputinformationword

Examples from the Web for input

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • The efficiency of the boiler is the output divided by the input.

  • For this transmitting set you need a transformer that has an input of 325 volts.

    The Radio Amateur's Hand Book

    A. Frederick Collins

  • You remember that an offer was made you of your input and interest, and you declined?

    Gordon Keith

    Thomas Nelson Page

  • There was a sharp fall-off on both sides of the input so direction could be precisely determined.

    Deathworld

    Harry Harrison

  • He had been sitting there waiting for that green line to move a full minute after the input signal had ceased.

    Unwise Child

    Gordon Randall Garrett

British Dictionary definitions for input

input

noun
  1. the act of putting in
  2. that which is put in
  3. (often plural) a resource required for industrial production, such as capital goods, labour services, raw materials, etc
  4. electronics
    1. the signal or current fed into a component or circuit
    2. the terminals, or some other point, to which the signal is applied
  5. computing the data fed into a computer from a peripheral device
  6. (modifier) of or relating to electronic, computer, or other input
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verb -puts, -putting, -put or -putted
  1. (tr) to insert (data) into a computer
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for input

n.

1793, "a sum (of cash) put in," from in + put. Computing sense of "data fed into a machine" is from 1948; the verb in the computing sense is attested from 1946. There was a Middle English verb input (late 14c.) meaning "to put in, place, set," but it died out long before this.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper