mainframe

[ meyn-freym ]

noun

, Computers.

1. a large computer, often the hub of a system serving many users.

mainframe

/ ˈmeɪnˌfreɪm /

noun

1. 1. a high-speed general-purpose computer, usually with a large storage capacity
   2. ( as modifier )

      mainframe systems

2. the central processing unit of a computer

mainframe

/ mān′frām′ /

1. A large, often powerful computer, usually dedicated to lengthy, complex calculations or set up for use by many people simultaneously.
2. Compare personal computer

mainframe

1. A large, powerful computer system. A mainframe computer typically carries out complex calculations and is shared by many users. ( Compare personal computer .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of mainframe¹

First recorded in 1960–65; main ¹ + frame

Example Sentences

He was among a handful of influential engineers whose designs formed the vital bridge between the room-size models of the mainframe era and the advent of the personal computer.

From New York Times

“We want you to break in, hack into the mainframe, and insert a program our top coders are concocting as we speak.”

From Literature

He took courses, learned code and even devoted time to using an IBM mainframe computer.

From New York Times

Martin Goetz, who joined the computer industry in its infancy in the mid-1950s as a programmer working on Univac mainframes and who later received the first U.S. patent for software, died on Oct.

From New York Times

Enterprise software provider IBM's second-quarter revenue fell short of Wall Street expectations on Wednesday, bogged down by a decline in sales of its mainframe computers as businesses cut tech spending.

From Reuters

Related Words

• administration
• authority
• board
• executive