Skip to main content
computer memory

computer memory

3 2.8
A part of a computer that stores data and instructions for the processor
  • noun
  • /kəmˈpjuːtər ˈmɛməri/
  • Specialized
translation icon : memoria de computadora
  • Everything they say is broken down and stored... ...in the computer memory banks.

So he uses the analogy of computer memory.

Examples

  • SiteShoter now uses the computer memory instead of the video card memory.

    Blog text (7)
  • The first thing the table tells us is that high resolutions take a long time to load and process if computer memory is limited.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Some of them are quite simple and require a minimum of computer memory; some are complex programs with many features and require a lot of memory.

    Academic text (1993)
  • As computer memory becomes cheaper, more and more of these electronic footprints are being saved.

    Blog text (32)
  • Computer memory can, of course, be increased, but the going rate for RAM at this time is about $50 to $60/MB.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Therefore, this method results in increased complexity of the FE model and requires additional computer memory due to the increase in the number of degrees of freedom per element.

    Academic text (1996)
  • The votes (electronic forms) sit in computer memory until a resident program operates on them to produce the usual summaries.

    Academic text (1998)
  • In the past, this and other interactive VR websites have been fairly low-tech, but as computer memory prices fall and processor speed increases, VR interfaces on the Web are proliferating rapidly, and the quality of the sites is improving.

    Academic text (1997)
  • I upgraded my laptop with additional computer memory to improve its performance.

  • To run the application smoothly, ensure your computer memory is sufficient.

Synonyms

memory
vscomputer memory
  • Specialized
157 4.4

A part of a computer that stores data

is specific to storage meant directly for a single machine's processor
RAM
vscomputer memory
  • Specialized
27 3.5

Computer memory that stores data for a short time while the computer is on

is the general storage device not limited to fast temporary use
memory chip
vscomputer memory
  • Specialized
3 3.6

An electronic part inside a computer that stores data like RAM

refers to storage function in general rather than the physical circuit
memory device
vscomputer memory
1 3.5

A thing that stores information like files or photos so you can use it later

focuses on storage directly serving a processor, not general archival hardware
memory cache
vscomputer memory
  • Specialized
1 4.8

A small, fast part of a computer that stores often used data to make access quicker

is the broader storage area used for all processor data and instructions
virtual memory
vscomputer memory
  • Specialized
1 4.2

The computer uses part of its hard disk as extra memory when RAM is full

is actual electronic storage hardware rather than a disk-based simulation
random memory
vscomputer memory
  • Specialized
5.7

A part of a computer that stores data for a short time while it runs

is a broader storage device not defined by access order
read/write memory
vscomputer memory
  • Specialized
4.2

A part of a computer that stores data for a short time the system can read and change while running

does not emphasize bidirectional access but names storage for processor use

How Much

terabyte
  • Specialized
8 4.1
computer memory
  • Specialized
3 2.8
gigabyte
  • Specialized
13 2.7
megabyte
  • Specialized
10 3.0
kilobyte
  • Specialized
4 3.6
byte
  • Specialized
23 3.6
bit
  • Specialized
106 4.4

Surface Forms

Morphology

computer + memory

The meaning is directly compositional: combining 'computer' (electronic processing device) with 'memory' (data storage) yields the idea of the storage associated with a computer. This follows a common noun–noun compounding pattern found across languages and uses high-frequency, literal constituents, so a B1 learner who knows both words should understand the MWE.

Etymology

Computer memory comes from comparing a computer to a person; long before machines, memory meant a person's power to 'remember' things, so early makers called the parts that 'store' data the computer's memory.