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memory device

memory device

1 3.5
A thing that stores information like files or photos so you can use it later
  • noun
  • /ˈmɛməri dɪˈvaɪs/
translation icon : dispositivo de memoria
  • This means that given only the hash values of the files on a memory device, police officers or forensic technicians would be able to verify whether a known file is present but would not be able to reconstruct the contents of any unknown files.
  • use memory devices

Examples

  • In the past, floppy disks were a common memory device used to transfer files between computers.

  • Secondary storage systems using semiconductor memory devices

    Academic text (1995)
  • It should also be noted that USB Flash Memory devices do work with the system; however, "games do not run properly" on them.

    Blog text (4)
  • Those using volatile memory devices are further classified into two types, depending on whether they are protected against power loss by batteries.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Quality Tier 1 instruction includes the use of tools such as graphic organizers, concept maps, scaffolding, and memory devices.

    Academic text (2013)
  • The latest smartphone comes equipped with a fast and reliable memory device to store all your photos and apps.

  • Engineers are designing a memory device that can store vast amounts of data more efficiently than traditional hard drives.

Synonyms

memory
vsmemory device
  • Specialized
157 4.4

A part of a computer that stores data

is wider, covering any hardware piece used to keep information
storage
vsmemory device
  • Specialized
148 2.7

A device or place that holds computer data

focuses on a single hardware item rather than space or process
RAM
vsmemory device
  • Specialized
27 3.5

Computer memory that stores data for a short time while the computer is on

is broader, including long term and removable equipment for data keeping
storage device
vsmemory device
  • Specialized
5 3.5

A thing that stores computer files, like a hard drive or USB stick

is the general term for hardware that keeps data for later retrieval
computer memory
vsmemory device
  • Specialized
3 2.8

A part of a computer that stores data and instructions for the processor

is the more general hardware term not limited to electronic parts
memory chip
vsmemory device
  • Specialized
3 3.6

An electronic part inside a computer that stores data like RAM

is the general equipment term not limited to tiny circuits
storage medium
vsmemory device
  • Specialized
1 4.1

A device like a hard drive or CD that holds computer files

names the equipment form of the same data-keeping function
computer storage
vsmemory device
  • Specialized
1 2.7

The place inside a computer where files and information are kept

is broader, applying to any equipment used to hold data
secondary storage
vsmemory device
  • Specialized
1 3.8

A device like a hard disk or flash drive that keeps data when the computer is off

is the neutral hardware term that covers both temporary and permanent keeping
external storage
vsmemory device
  • Specialized
1 3.8

A device you plug into a computer to save or move files

covers that role but also includes internal equipment used for the same purpose
data-storage medium
vsmemory device
  • Specialized
4.1

A device or material that keeps information so you can use it later

refers specifically to a piece of equipment rather than any material
read/write memory
vsmemory device
  • Specialized
4.2

A part of a computer that stores data for a short time the system can read and change while running

is the general equipment idea that may or may not allow both actions
magnetic bubble memory
vsmemory device
  • Archaic
8.1

A device that stores information as tiny magnetic areas on a thin layer, used in older computers

is the broad equipment category that includes many current and old technologies

How Much

cloud
  • Specialized
238 3.5
memory device
1 3.5
hard drive
  • Specialized
106 2.8

Surface Forms

memory device singular

Morphology

memory + device

The phrase is a direct noun-noun composition: 'memory' (storage of data) + 'device' (a manufactured item), so the meaning 'a device for storing data' is transparently derivable from its parts. This compound follows common cross-linguistic patterns (e.g. Spanish 'dispositivo de memoria') and would be immediately understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

The term memory device comes from the idea of a small machine acting like a human memory. Like a box where you keep photos, a device holds information so you can get it back later, so it now means 'a piece of equipment that stores data'.