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)