computer

[ kuhm-pyoo-ter ]

noun

1. a programmable electronic device designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display the results of these operations. Mainframes, desktop and laptop computers, tablets, and smartphones are some of the different types of computers. Compare analog computer, digital computer.
2. a computer program or algorithm:

   A computer can write a pop tune, but there's no guarantee it will be a hit.

3. a person who computes; computist.

computer

/ kəmˈpjuːtə /

noun

1. 1. a device, usually electronic, that processes data according to a set of instructions. The digital computer stores data in discrete units and performs arithmetical and logical operations at very high speed. The analog computer has no memory and is slower than the digital computer but has a continuous rather than a discrete input. The hybrid computer combines some of the advantages of digital and analog computers See also digital computer analog computer hybrid computer
   2. ( as modifier ) cyber-

      computer technology

2. a person who computes or calculates

computer

/ kəm-pyo̅o̅′tər /

1. A programmable machine that performs high-speed processing of numbers, as well as of text, graphics, symbols, and sound. All computers contain a central processing unit that interprets and executes instructions; input devices, such as a keyboard and a mouse, through which data and commands enter the computer; memory that enables the computer to store programs and data; and output devices, such as printers and display screens, that show the results after the computer has processed data.

computer

1. An electronic device that stores and manipulates information. Unlike a calculator , it is able to store a program and retrieve information from its memory. Most computers today are digital, which means they perform operations with quantities represented electronically as digits.

Other Words From

• com·put·er·like adjective
• non·com·put·er adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of computer¹

First recorded in 1640–50; compute + -er ¹; compare Middle French computeur

Example Sentences

This software makes it possible to predict protein structures on the computer with high accuracy.

From Science Daily

The new image shows that the cocoon is stretched-out, which surprised scientists, who expected a different shape based on previous observations and computer models.

From Science Daily

Following her graduation in 2004, she dedicated nearly a decade to designing eyewear, often spending 12 hours a day in front of a computer.

From Los Angeles Times

The coach has compared Herbert’s mind to a computer chip and his arm to something that can make angels sing.

From Los Angeles Times

Using cutting-edge computer animation software, they combined the videos with 3D models to visualize how the bird's bone surfaces fit together geometrically and how those joints appeared in motion.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• data processor
• desktop computer
• PC
• personal computer