small computer system interface

4.2

A common way to connect a computer to devices like printers or hard drives

noun
/smɔl kəmˈpjuːtər ˈsɪstəm ˈɪntərˌfeɪs/

Specialized

: interfaz pequeña de sistema informático

The majority of rewritable optical drives use the small computer systems interface (SCSI) as the standard protocol for sending command information and data to the drives.

Examples

SSA has many advantages over existing parallel interfaces such as the Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI-2).

Academic text (1996)
Many modern printers connect to a computer using the small computer system interface for easier data transfer.
The small computer system interface allows different devices to communicate effectively in a computer network.
To enhance compatibility, the new device features a small computer system interface that works with various peripherals.

Synonyms

SCSI

vssmall computer system interface

Archaic

1 7.9

A common way to connect older computers to devices like hard drives and scanners

is the general standard name without stressing older or example devices

Surface Forms

small computer system interface singular

small computer system interfaces plural

Morphology

small + computer + system + interface

The phrase is compositionally formed from 'small' + 'computer' + 'system' + 'interface', so a B1 learner who knows those words can infer it refers to an interface that links computer systems (and likely peripherals). However, its specific status as a technical standard/protocol (and historical sense captured by the acronym SCSI) requires specialist knowledge, so the precise technical meaning is not fully predictable from the constituents alone.

Etymology

The name small computer system interface was made to describe a simple interface that lets small computers 'connect' to other system parts. So it means a standard way to link a computer to devices like printers and external hard drives.