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Glite Dictionary
compact disc read-only memory

compact disc read-only memory

3.9
A CD for computers that holds data you cannot change
  • noun
  • /ˈkɒmpækt dɪsk riːˈoʊnli ˈmɛməri/
  • Specialized
translation icon : CD-ROM
  • Medical knowledge bases can be stored on a central computer, with remote access by telephone or network links, or can be duplicated on floppy disk or compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) and installed on personal computers.
  • compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)

Examples

  • A compact disc read-only memory, commonly known as a CD-ROM, can store extensive software for educational purposes.

  • An alternative to dialing up MEDLINE is to use it on a personal computer equipped with a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) reader.

    Academic text (1991)

  • The software was delivered on a compact disc read-only memory, making it easy to install on any compatible computer.

  • Many reference materials are now available on compact disc read-only memory, providing quick access to large databases.

Synonyms

CD
vscompact disc read-only memory
396 1.4

A small round disc that stores music and other digital files

is limited to computer use and stores data that cannot be altered
CD-ROM
vscompact disc read-only memory
  • Archaic
16 4.0

A disc for computers that stores data you cannot change

is the same in meaning but presented as the full technical name
compact disk
vscompact disc read-only memory
  • US
12 2.5

A small round shiny disc that stores music, videos, or computer files read by a laser

is focused on computer use and stores data that cannot be changed

How Writable

compact disc recordable
  • Specialized
4.2
compact disc read-only memory
  • Specialized
3.9

Surface Forms

compact disc read-only memory singular
compact discs read-only memory plural

Morphology

compact + disk + read-only + memory

The phrase is compositional: 'compact disc' names the physical storage medium and 'read-only memory' describes memory that can be read but not altered. A B1 learner who knows the constituents (including 'read' and 'only') can reasonably infer it is a CD whose stored data cannot be changed, so despite being technical the meaning is predictable from its parts.

Etymology

Compact disc read-only memory comes from putting together compact disc (a small, shiny disc) and read-only (you can only 'read' it, not change it). So it means a disc that holds computer data you can 'read' but 'cannot change'.