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Glite Dictionary
computer-aided design

computer-aided design

1 3.5
A way of using computer software to make and change detailed plans for buildings or products
  • noun
  • /kəmˈpjuːtər ˈeɪdɪd dɪˈzaɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : diseño asistido por computadora
  • Engineers often rely on computer-aided design software to create precise 3D models for their projects.
  • computer-aided design (CAD)
  • computer-aided design software
  • computer-aided design and manufacturing

I teach high school CAD That's computer aided design.

Examples

  • There, students use computer-aided design methods to develop vehicles featuring structural integrity and positive aerodynamics.

    Academic text (1998)

  • The technological foundation for this new design environment is three-dimensional computer-aided design software.

    Academic text (1996)

  • Then, an engineer created each specialized part with computer-aided design software.

    Academic text (2005)

  • The company uses Solid Edge, a computer-aided design software from Unigraphics Solutions of St. Louis.

    Academic text (2000)

  • The department had already been using CoCreate's OneSpace Designer for computer-aided design.

    Academic text (2002)

  • The firm manufactures semiconductor equipment and recently implemented software that incorporates both computer-aided design and product data management.

    Academic text (2006)

  • Due to the upgrades in meshing technologies, engineers can now create meshes directly from their computer-aided design geometry.

    Academic text (2003)

  • To develop the robot, researchers are using the computer-aided design tool Pro/Engineer from PTC of Needham, Mass., for design.

    Academic text (2007)

  • Both Rocketdyne and NASA engineers cite modern computer-aided design and manufacturing technologies as the linchpin of their efforts.

    Academic text (1998)

  • Then, they'll have to learn a slew of mathematical formulas and become proficient in computer-aided design software.

    Academic text (2008)

Synonyms

CAD
vscomputer-aided design
  • Specialized
7 4.1

Software for making precise drawings of buildings or machines

describes the practice of using such software to create and improve designs

How Automated

automation
  • Specialized
33 3.3
computer-aided design
  • Specialized
1 3.5
drafting
  • Specialized
4.2

Surface Forms

computer-aided design singular
computer-aided designs plural

Morphology

computer-aided + design

The phrase is compositionally built from 'computer' + 'aided' + 'design' and literally means a design process assisted by computers/software; this meaning is directly derivable from the constituents. Similar constructions exist in many languages (e.g. Spanish 'diseño asistido por ordenador', French 'conception assistée par ordinateur'), so a B1 learner who knows the component words would readily infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

Computer-aided design comes from the simple image of a computer helping with a design. Engineers began using computers to draw and test parts, so the phrase means 'using a computer to help make, change, or check a design'.