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Glite Dictionary
flash memory

flash memory

3 4.2
An electronic chip that stores data even when the power is off
  • noun
  • /flæʃ ˈmɛməri/
  • Specialized
translation icon : memoria flash
  • One of the most reliable storage devices I could find was actually the simple flash memory chip.
  • flash memory card
  • flash memory chip
  • flash memory drive

Now most people wouldn't care about this except SSDs have a limited write cycle because of the flash memory.

Examples

  • In tiny MP3 players, storage is created from flash memory chips.

    Blog text (5)

  • 2MP with 8GB of flash memory didn't sound too bad in 2004.

    Blog text (24)

  • Now this gives us flash memory actually on the board.

  • Now, a few years ago, people said that flash memory can only write a limited number of times.

  • The camera does not accept flash memory cards.

    Blog text (25)

  • First, there is the flash memory where all of the images are stored.

    Blog text (26)

  • Solid-state drives or SSDs, store data in flash memory cells on flash memory chips.

  • Most digital cameras use flash memory cards to store images taken during a photo shoot.

  • Flash drives are a popular form of flash memory because they are portable and can store large amounts of data.

  • Thanks to flash memory, we can quickly access files on our smartphones without worrying about losing them when the power is off.

Synonyms

non-volatile storage
vsflash memory
  • Specialized
5.1

Computer memory that keeps data when power is off

is a specific kind that can be erased and reprogrammed electrically
nonvolatile storage
vsflash memory
  • Specialized
5.1

Memory that keeps data when a device is off, like a hard drive

is a specific kind that can be erased and reprogrammed electrically

How Durable

DNA
  • Specialized
34 6.3
magnetic tape
  • Specialized
2 3.9
flash memory
  • Specialized
3 4.2
hard drive
  • Specialized
106 2.8
optical disk
  • Specialized
1 3.7

Surface Forms

flash memory singular
flash memories plural

Morphology

flash + memory

As a noun–noun compound, 'flash memory' is partly compositional: 'flash' modifies 'memory', so a learner who knows both words can infer it names a particular kind of memory related to 'flash'. However the specific technical properties (nonvolatile, electrically erasable and reprogrammable) are specialized and not predictable from the everyday meanings of 'flash' and 'memory', so full understanding requires exposure. The form is common across many languages, which aids recognition but does not make the technical sense fully transparent.

Etymology

Flash memory gets its name from a quick flash of electricity that can erase or write data and the word memory meaning storage. That picture of a sudden flash changing what is stored helps explain why the term means a fast type of storage that 'keeps data when the power is off'.