RISC

American  

[risk] / rɪsk /

noun

1. reduced instruction set computer: a computer whose central processing unit recognizes a relatively small number of instructions, which it can execute very rapidly.

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RISC British  

/ rɪsk /

acronym

1. reduced instruction set computer: a computer in which the set of instructions which it can perform has been reduced to the minimum, resulting in very fast data processing

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Usage

What does RISC mean? RISC is an acronym that stands for reduced instruction set computer, a kind of computer that only recognizes a very small set of instructions, allowing it to process data and execute tasks very rapidly. A RISC is a type of microprocessor, a computer circuit that executes all the functions of a central processing unit (CPU)—the component in a computer system that makes the device able to understand instructions. Different versions of RISCs have been created over time to be used in different kinds of devices. Initially, RISCs were mostly used in bigger computers, but versions of RISCs are used in modern laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

Example Sentences

Its chips continued to use their own complex way of talking to a computer’s software, but started to use some aspects of RISC.

From New York Times • Mar. 21, 2018

They called it RISC, short for “reduced instruction set computer.”

From New York Times • Mar. 21, 2018

Anderson will be interviewed by brewery co-founder Steve Hindy, and proceeds from the event will benefit RISC.

From Slate • Jun. 13, 2014

Last year, Brooklyn Brewery launched an interview series at its brewhouse in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, in conjunction with RISC, a nonprofit that offers instruction on life-saving skills for freelance war journalists.

From Slate • Jun. 10, 2014

At first, the industry was reluctant to switch to RISC.

From Time Magazine Archive