computer
13
9.5
- noun
- /kəmˈpjuːtər/
- Archaic
- There, machines operating from instructions fed to them by laptop computers slowly extruded plastic to form three-dimensional objects.
- staff of human computers
Examples
-
In the early 20th century, a computer was often a person who calculated complex mathematical problems by hand.
-
Historically, a computer was someone who performed calculations for scientific studies and navigational purposes.
-
In the present study, the sentence was available on the computer screen throughout the trial.
Academic text (2011) -
A computer error unlocked every cell in block three, the last place you want something like that to happen.
-
During sessions two through four, the feedback was presented on the computer after subjects entered their evaluation.
Academic text (1991) -
In addition to library and classroom projects, consider technology classes and after-school computer clubs for programming activities.
Academic text (2011) -
The format was co-developed by Apple Computer and is most commonly used on Apple Macintosh computer systems.
Academic text (2008) -
Conek could hear a soft hum from the unit's computer as it worked hard at some calculation.
Fiction book (1991) -
The case is suitable for use in courses in accounting information systems, computer auditing, and auditing.
Academic text (1999) -
Before electronic devices, a computer referred to an individual who made detailed calculations for various industries.
Synonyms
1
4.5
A person who calculates how much a job will cost
1
9.4
A person who is very good at working out numbers quickly
Idioms
Compounds
- Specialized
80
2.8
A group of computers and software that work together to store and use data
- Specialized
20
2.8
A group of computers and devices that are connected to share files and printers
- Specialized
14
3.7
Study and design of computers, programs, and systems that process information
- Specialized
7
3.1
Pictures that computers make and show, like movie effects and video games
- Specialized
5
7.0
A machine that uses tiny particles' strange behaviour to solve some problems much faster than normal computers
- Specialized
5
3.7
A machine like a phone or laptop that handles information using the numbers 0 and 1
- Specialized
5
3.2
A collection of information stored on a computer so people can find and use it
- Specialized
4
4.6
A very large machine that processes large amounts of data for big organizations
- Specialized
4
2.8
A part of a computer that stores data and instructions for the processor
- Specialized
1
2.3
Long paper with holes along the sides used in old printers like dot-matrix
- Specialized
1
2.4
A machine that uses electricity to work with information and do calculations by itself
- Specialized
1
3.5
A way of using computer software to make and change detailed plans for buildings or products
- Specialized
1
3.4
An electric path inside a computer that does a specific job like processing data or storing information
- Specialized
1
4.0
The way a computer's parts and basic software are arranged and work together
- Specialized
1
3.9
A basic action a computer does, like adding or comparing numbers
- Specialized
1
3.0
A device that connects to a computer, like a mouse or printer, but is not inside it
A part of a college or university where people teach and do research about computers and programming
- Informal
1
4.3
A person who knows a lot about computers and helps others fix computer problems
- Archaic
1
7.9
A small suitcase that opens to show a screen and keyboard used as a portable computer
- Specialized
1
5.8
A machine that processes information using physical values that change, like electrical voltages or movements
- Specialized
1
7.7
A computer design that uses a small set of simple commands to work faster
- Specialized
1
4.2
A common way to connect a computer to devices like printers or hard drives
- Specialized
1
3.5
A standard size used to measure computer memory, like a byte or kilobyte
- Specialized
1
8.1
A computer design where the main processor runs many built-in instructions
- Specialized
A language used to write programs for a specific kind of computer, like a phone or a large computer
How Fast
- Specialized
22
5.5
- Specialized
6
5.1
- Archaic
13
9.5
73
1.3
- Specialized
41
3.4
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Computer originally meant a person who worked with numbers. It comes from the verb compute, which means 'to count' or 'to calculate', and the -er ending means 'one who does it', so a computer was someone who 'counts' numbers by hand.