Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
CD-R

CD-R

1 4.1
A disc you can write to only once that holds music or files
  • noun
  • /siː diː ɑːr/
translation icon : CD-R
  • CD-Rs are made one at a time; it takes about an hour to "write" each disc (a CD holds up to seventy-four minutes of music).
  • CD-R disc
  • recordable CD-R
  • blank CD-R

Examples

  • You can store your music collection on a CD-R since it is not rewritable after recording.

  • CD-Rs are controlled from a PC or Macintosh computer.

    Academic text (1997)

  • CD-Rs have green and gold sides.

    Academic text (1997)

  • But if you throw it on a cheap CD-R and mail it to me, it will definitely be reviewed.

    Blog text (21)

  • I can also put the files on a CD-R or a DVD, which holds more information.

    Blog text (4)

  • One caveat: Not all CD-Rs are created equal.

    Academic text (1997)

  • Three options are available for labeling CD-Rs.

    Academic text (1997)

  • CD-Rs have an organic dye coated on a plastic disc.

    Academic text (1997)

  • Many production companies require either a CD-R (recordable compact disc) or DAT recording to produce the master disc.

    Academic text (1997)

  • He created a compilation of his favorite songs and saved it onto a CD-R for easy listening.

Synonyms

CDR
vsCD-R
2 7.4

A short form for Commander or for a writable compact disc

focuses only on the disc meaning rather than other abbreviation senses
compact disc recordable
vsCD-R
  • Specialized
4.2

A disc you can write on once and then only read

is the common short form for the same writable-once disc
compact disc write-once
vsCD-R
  • Specialized
6.5

A CD you can record on once and then only read

is another technical term for this one-time writable disc
CD-WO
vsCD-R
  • Archaic
6.7

A compact disc that you can write on only once and then only read

is the standard abbreviated label for the same write-once disc

How Rewritable

flash memory
  • Specialized
3 4.2
CD-R
1 4.1

Surface Forms

CD-R singular
CD-Rs plural

Morphology

CD-R = CD (semi-transparent) = C + D + R

Formed from the acronym 'CD' with the letter-suffix 'R' meaning 'recordable'; understanding requires knowledge of the labeling convention rather than pure lexical deduction.

Etymology

The word CD-R comes from CD meaning 'compact disc' and the letter R meaning 'recordable', the same idea as the familiar word record. So a CD-R is a disc you can 'record' on only once, and after you save information it stays there and cannot be changed.