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

But now it has gone further and made the platforms inaccessible on work phones and computers.

From BBC

Some of the demos have shifted from his computer to the stage.

From Los Angeles Times

Warehouses of computers require lots of power - and many businesses moved to Kazakhstan where electricity was abundant thanks to huge coal reserves.

From BBC

How did you use computers to generate such realistic tornadoes?

From Los Angeles Times

McCartney began committing his crimes when he was a teenager at school, and continued when he went to university to study computer science.

From BBC

Related Words

• data processor
• desktop computer
• PC
• personal computer