portable computer
4
2.7
- noun
- /ˈpɔːrtəbl kəmˈpjuːtər/
:
ordenador portátil
- As he works, he often listens to music, plays games on his portable computer, and converses with whoever calls through the speakerphone.
A few videos back I talked about Intel's new specification for lightweight, thin portable computers known as Ultrabooks.
- A few videos back I talked about Intel's new specification for lightweight, thin portable computers known as Ultrabooks.
Examples
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PHOTO (COLOR): Student employee Royce Hammonds measures soil water content using a portable computer and cable tester.
Academic text (1994) -
"Look at this new portable computer I just got."
Fiction book (1993) -
Believe it or not, the careful selection of a case for your portable computer is a very significant matter.
Academic text (1993) -
As our conversation ended, he mentioned this company that just released a really small portable computer.
Blog text (26) -
If that worked, each student would get a portable computer to use for school assignments and more.
Blog text (28) -
In the past decade, we have seen the emergence of powerful portable computers, laptop computers, and more recently, handheld computers.
Academic text (2004) -
The Apple IIc represented Apple's first attempt at both a portable computer and "out-of-the-box" functionality.
Blog text (16) -
One of the experimenters collected the completed tests and supposedly took them to a portable computer outside the classroom for automatic and quick correction.
Academic text (2001) -
Laden with a portable computer, notebooks, and some seismograph printouts, she stares at him through tilted glasses.
Fiction book (1990) -
I carried my portable computer to the park so I could work outside.
Synonyms
309
1.0
A small, light computer you can use on your lap
30
2.5
A small portable computer you carry and use on battery power
17
1.3
A small, light machine you can carry to use for work or study
14
3.4
A small light laptop for basic tasks and internet use
6
3.6
A very thin, lightweight laptop for easy travel
5
3.5
A small flat device with a touchscreen that you use for the internet and apps
3
2.8
A small light portable computer like a laptop
2
3.2
A small portable computer you hold in one hand
1
4.4
A very small, light laptop that is easy to carry
A small suitcase that opens to show a screen and keyboard used as a portable computer
Antonyms
How Portable
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a personal computer designed to be easily carried and used in different locations' is directly and compositionally derived from 'portable' (easily carried) + 'computer' (electronic device). This adjective+noun combination follows a regular, cross-linguistic compositional pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the compound meaning.
Etymology
Portable computer comes from the simple idea of a computer that is portable — light enough to 'carry' and use in different places. So, the phrase means a computer made to be easily carried and used away from the office.