Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
disk cache

disk cache

4.1
A part of a computer's memory that stores often used data so the computer can read it faster
  • noun
  • /dɪsk kæʃ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : caché de disco
  • Can you explain how the disk cache works?

Examples

  • The disk cache significantly improved the system's performance.

  • When the disk cache is correctly configured, applications run smoother by reducing the need to access the hard drive.

  • If the disk cache is too small, the computer may access the hard drive more often.

  • Installing additional memory can help increase the size of your disk cache for better performance.

  • Many modern computers use a disk cache to improve data retrieval speed.

  • Upgrading the disk cache in your computer can significantly improve the speed of data retrieval.

  • The software quickly accesses frequently used files from the disk cache, minimizing load times.

Synonyms

cache
vsdisk cache
  • Specialized
19 6.1

A fast memory in a computer that keeps recent data to make programs run faster

is a volatile memory area holding data from storage devices to avoid slow reads
caching
vsdisk cache
  • Specialized
6 4.4

Storing data for a short time so it can be opened faster

refers to a memory area holding data from storage devices for quick reads

How Fast

register
  • Specialized
5 7.0
memory access
  • Specialized
1 3.7
disk cache
  • Specialized
4.1
disk access
  • Specialized
4.1

Surface Forms

disk cache singular
disk caches plural
disc caches plural
disc cache singular

Morphology

disk + cache

The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'disk' (storage device) + 'cache' (area of memory holding frequent data): a cache that stores disk data to speed access. This noun‑noun technical compound follows a transparent compounding pattern familiar across languages and would be understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

The noun disk cache comes from the image of a small store, a cache, near the disk that keeps things ready. It keeps copies of often-used files in faster memory so the computer does not need to go to the slower 'disk' each time, and that is why a disk cache makes reading data faster.