compute

[ kuhm-pyoot ]

verb (used with object)

, com·put·ed, com·put·ing.

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)

, com·put·ed, com·put·ing.

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

One tornado in “Twisters” probably took as much computing power as we used to make the whole of the first “Twister.”

From Los Angeles Times

Folt said she was proud of her work to expand programs in computing, health sciences, athletics, financial aid and student well-being.

From Los Angeles Times

The work "invites viewers to reflect on the god-like nature of AI and computing while considering the ethical and societal implications of these advancements", the robot said.

From BBC

As I left the Frontline Club it was hard to compute the bizarre press event, beyond one obvious fact.

From BBC

They also pondered whether the shortcomings they identified can be easily fixed, and their answer is also no: “Can scaling data, models, or compute fundamentally solve this?”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• figure out
• gauge