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home computer

home computer

23 2.8
A personal computer used at home for writing, games and the internet
  • noun
  • /hoʊm kəmˈpjuːtər/
translation icon : computadora personal (América Latina)
  • She uses her home computer to finish her school assignments quickly.
  • home computer use
  • home computer and printer
  • install antivirus software on a home computer

We relied on SSL to provide an encrypted bridge between a user's home computer and the server.

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Examples

  • One also should not assume that all teachers have a home computer with access to the internet.

    Academic text (2005)
  • Within a few hours, I had an enormous database of information on my home computer.

    Academic text (1994)
  • You sold me on a home computer.

  • Then, when my children were older, each had their own home computer in their room.

    Blog text (12)
  • In most cases, however, this is still more than the cost of most home computers.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Through these home computers, parents and family members become actively involved in the students' learning process.

    Academic text (2001)
  • James decided to dial in the service from his home computer in the evening using the company's user ID number.

    Academic text (1997)
  • "Many of our low-income clients do not have email addresses or home computers," Rawdon says.

    Academic text (2011)
  • We relied on SSL to provide an encrypted bridge between a user's home computer and the server.

  • The Macintosh, Apple's near mythological home computer, has gotten off to a rocky start in its battle with industry titan IBM.

Synonyms

laptop
vshome computer
309 1.0

A small, light computer you can use on your lap

is mainly for regular in-room activities rather than frequent mobility
PC
vshome computer
  • Specialized
192 1.8

A small computer for one person to use at home or work

is aimed at everyday use in a household rather than general workplaces
personal computer
vshome computer
43 2.4

A small machine one person uses to work, study, or play

is meant specifically for use in a house for common tasks
desktop
vshome computer
35 2.8

A personal computer that sits on a desk and is not carried

is focused on regular household activities rather than office tasks
laptop computer
vshome computer
17 1.3

A small, light machine you can carry to use for work or study

is aimed at routine domestic tasks rather than constant travel use
desktop computer
vshome computer
10 1.7

A computer for use at a desk with a separate screen, keyboard, and mouse

is intended for family or personal use inside a residence
portable computer
vshome computer
4 2.7

A small computer you can carry to use in different places

is focused on household use and typical home activities
microcomputer
vshome computer
  • Specialized
2 4.7

A small computer for one person that uses a small chip to run programs

is used mainly in domestic settings rather than technical or industrial ones

How Powerful

workstation
  • Specialized
11 4.2
home computer
23 2.8
tablet
286 2.7
netbook
  • Specialized
14 3.4

Surface Forms

home computer singular

Morphology

home + computer

The meaning 'a computer intended for use in the home' is directly and compositionally derived from 'home' (residence) + 'computer' (electronic processing device). This noun-noun compound follows a common, cross-linguistic pattern of specification (location/type), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Home computer comes from when small, cheap computers began to be sold to families, so people imagined a computer kept in the home for bills, learning and games. That's why it now means a personal device 'for use in the home'.