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Glite Dictionary
parallel port

parallel port

1 4.3
A socket on a computer that connects devices like printers and sends data across many wires
  • noun
  • /ˈpærəˌlɛl pɔrt/
  • Archaic
translation icon : puerto paralelo
  • The parallel port allows you to send multiple data streams to the printer at once.

Examples

  • RS-232 serial and parallel ports are included for PC communication and printer connection; the PC software is Microsoft Windows-compatible.

    Academic text (1994)

  • Its plug attaches directly to the parallel port on a PC.

    Academic text (1995)

  • I never tried a parallel port programmer, but I've read they're slow.

    Blog text (9)

  • They've never gone on a snipe hunt for a driver or put a parallel-port printer into the trash.

    Blog text (27)

  • The controller features a general-purpose parallel port that can drive a PC-compatible printer or a crosswire keypad.

    Academic text (1994)

  • The switch was wired into the parallel port of a portable computer (Toshiba T1000) attached to the back of the wheelchair behind the lower back support.

    Academic text (1991)

  • You can connect your printer to the computer using the parallel port.

  • Make sure your device is compatible with the parallel port before attempting to connect.

Synonyms

port
vsparallel port
  • Specialized
76 5.0

A place on a computer where you plug in devices for power or data

is the specialized socket that transmits multiple bits at once to printers
parallel interface
vsparallel port
  • Archaic
1 5.7

A connection that sends many bits at once between a computer and a device like a printer

is the physical socket for plugging devices into the computer

How Fast

ethernet cable
  • Specialized
1 3.4
parallel port
  • Archaic
1 4.3
serial port
  • Specialized
1 3.7

Surface Forms

parallel port singular
parallel ports plural

Morphology

parallel + port

The meaning is directly compositional: 'parallel' (simultaneous/multiple-wire transmission) modifies 'port' (a socket), so a learner who knows both words can infer a socket that transmits data concurrently across multiple lines. This noun-noun technical compound follows regular English compounding patterns and is cross-linguistically transparent, making it accessible to B1 learners with the constituent vocabulary.

Etymology

Parallel port is named for how it looks and works: parallel means lines side by side and port is a socket you plug into. Inside the socket many metal pins send data along several wires at the same time, so the name refers to a socket for sending 'many things at the same time'.