CD-ROM

[ see-dee-rom ]

noun

, Computers.

1. a compact disk on which a large amount of digitized read-only data can be stored.

CD-ROM

/ -ˈrɒm /

noun

1. compact disc read-only memory; a compact disc used with a computer system as a read-only optical disk

CD-ROM

/ sē′dē′rŏm′ /

1. A compact disk containing permanently stored data that cannot be altered.

CD-ROM

1. An acronym for c ompact d isc- r ead o nly m emory. Commonly known as CDs, these plastic discs hold information that can be read by laser . ( Compare magnetic tape .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of CD-ROM¹

First recorded in 1980–85; shortening of c(ompact) d(isk) r(ead-)o(nly) m(emory)

Example Sentences

Since full-motion video games weren’t quite at the crisp visual quality for home consoles with modern CD-ROM limitations, Anderson approached making the game as a frame-by-frame experiment.

From Los Angeles Times

Early CD-ROM technology offered high storage capacity but slow loading times that fit the slow-paced, contemplative style of the game.

From Seattle Times

Court documents show that the coast guard captain gave the authorities a CD-ROM containing video recordings, but the source of the recordings is unclear, and they have not been made public.

From New York Times

She means the CD-ROM drive and hard disk drive, two features she has never known a computer to have in her lifetime.

From Washington Post

As computers became popular in the 1980s, Mr. Englander created an interactive CD-ROM guide to Mozart’s opera “The Magic Flute.”

From Washington Post