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Glite Dictionary
📝 Arranges layout 🖨️ Printer controller 💾 Erases and prepares
formatter

formatter

5.3
A program that sets up a storage device by erasing data and making a file system
  • noun
  • /ˈfɔːrmætər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : formateador
  • The formatter erased all the old data.

Examples

  • Before using the memory card, she ran a formatter to set up the correct file system.

  • Technicians often rely on a formatter to prepare storage devices for customers.

  • The formatter erased all the data on the hard drive before installing the new software.

  • Can you use a formatter to set up the hard drive?

  • To prepare the hard drive for installation, use a formatter to erase all existing data.

  • After using the formatter, the USB drive was ready for saving new files.

  • The technician ran a formatter to ensure the memory card was properly set up for use.

Surface Forms

formatter singular
formatters plural

Morphology

formatter = format (transparent) = format + er

Regular agent/instrument nominalization from 'format'; the sense 'program/device that formats a disk' follows directly from the verb.

Etymology

The word formatter comes from format, from the Latin forma meaning 'shape', plus -er meaning 'one who does'. A storage formatter 'shapes' a disk or card by erasing and setting up the correct structure so the device can use it.