compute

[ kuhm-pyoot ]

verb (used with object)

computed, computing.

1. to determine by calculation; reckon; calculate:

   These early astronomers computed the period of Jupiter's revolution.

   Synonyms: figure, count, estimate

2. to determine by using a computer or calculator.

verb (used without object)

computed, computing.

1. to reckon; calculate.
2. to use a computer or calculator.
3. Informal. to make sense; add up:

   His reasons for doing that just don't compute.

noun

1. computation:

   Outer space is vast beyond compute.

2. the processing, memory, and storage resources required for a computer, network, or program to function:

   To meet today's business demands, you need a solid foundation of compute.

adjective

1. relating to or comprising the processing, memory, and storage resources required for a computer or program to function:

   The system uses intelligent load balancing so as to maximally utilize the available compute power.

compute

/ kəmˈpjuːt /

verb

1. to calculate (an answer, result, etc), often with the aid of a computer

noun

1. calculation; computation (esp in the phrase beyond compute )

Derived Forms

• comˌputaˈbility, noun
• comˈputable, adjective

Other Words From

• com·put·a·ble adjective
• com·put·a·bil·i·ty [k, uh, m-pyoo-t, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], noun
• com·put·a·bly adverb
• com·put·ist [k, uh, m-, pyoo, -tist, kom, -py, oo, -], noun
• mis·com·pute verb miscomputed miscomputing
• pre·com·pute verb precomputed precomputing
• re·com·pute verb (used with object) recomputed recomputing
• un·com·put·a·ble adjective
• un·com·put·a·ble·ness noun
• un·com·put·a·bly adverb
• un·com·put·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of compute¹

First recorded in 1375–1425, for an earlier sense; 1580–90 compute fordef 6; (for the verb) from Latin computāre, from com- com- + putāre “to think”; (for the noun) late Middle English from Middle French from Late Latin computus “calculation, number,” noun derivative of computāre; count ¹, putative

Word History and Origins

Origin of compute¹

C17: from Latin computāre, from putāre to think

Example Sentences

The chip is the latest development in a field known as quantum computing - which is attempting to use the principles of particle physics to create a new type of mind-bogglingly powerful computer.

From BBC

It comes as the UK's Competition and Markets Authority investigates the cloud computing industry in the UK.

From BBC

The deep neural network models that power today's most demanding machine-learning applications have grown so large and complex that they are pushing the limits of traditional electronic computing hardware.

From Science Daily

This suggests the brain may change the subtle shape of neurons to improve signaling when it needs to compute a large amount of information, Watanabe says.

From Science Magazine

The research results that have just been published were made possible by the Walloon region's high-performance computing infrastructure, in particular the NIC5 supercomputer at the University of Liège.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• figure out
• gauge