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storage device

storage device

5 3.5
A thing that stores computer files, like a hard drive or USB stick
  • noun
  • /ˈstɔːrɪdʒ dɪˈvaɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : dispositivo de almacenamiento
  • A memory card is a widely used storage device for digital cameras and smartphones.
  • energy storage devices
  • data storage devices
  • direct-access storage device

I mean, that's what we're looking at here, a digital information storage device.

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Examples

  • The USB flash drive is a convenient storage device for transferring files between computers.

  • There you have it, the highest density data storage device ever created.

  • However, this device is far more expensive than any other storage devices mentioned earlier.

    Blog text (15)
  • One of the most reliable storage devices I could find was actually the simple flash memory chip.

    Blog text (9)
  • The finished "programs" can be stored on any conventional computer storage device and played back on any other properly equipped personal computer.

    Academic text (1992)
  • You can get a 16GB USB storage device for under $10.

    Blog text (17)
  • That's a clear sign of how traditional storage devices may be bypassed by online alternatives.

    Blog text (19)
  • Discs are a much more convenient storage device than cassette tapes, and they provide more flexibility for the user.

    Academic text (1992)
  • And the iPod isn't just for play anymore—it can be used as a storage device or backup system.

    Academic text (2004)
  • Many photographers rely on external hard drives as storage devices to back up their photos.

Synonyms

drive
vsstorage device
  • Specialized
272 3.3

A device that stores or reads data on a computer

is focused on the equipment that holds the information itself
storage
vsstorage device
  • Specialized
148 2.7

A device or place that holds computer data

is the specific tangible equipment piece used to keep digital information
hard drive
vsstorage device
  • Specialized
106 2.8

A device inside a computer that stores files and lets you open them

is the general equipment term for any tool that keeps digital files
disk drive
vsstorage device
  • Specialized
6 3.5

A device in a computer that holds and spins a disk to read or write data

is a broader name for equipment used to keep and access data
external drive
vsstorage device
2 3.3

A device you connect to a computer by cable to save files

is any equipment used to hold digital information, internal or external
storage medium
vsstorage device
  • Specialized
1 4.1

A device like a hard drive or CD that holds computer files

is a specific piece of equipment used to keep digital information
memory device
vsstorage device
1 3.5

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

refers more narrowly to the single equipment piece used to keep data
internal drive
vsstorage device
  • Specialized
1 4.2

A device inside a computer that stores files, like a hard drive or solid-state drive

can be inside or outside the computer, not limited to internal fit
external storage
vsstorage device
  • Specialized
1 3.8

A device you plug into a computer to save or move files

is the single equipment item used to keep digital information
secondary storage
vsstorage device
  • Specialized
1 3.8

A device like a hard disk or flash drive that keeps data when the computer is off

is any equipment piece used to keep digital information without memory role
data-storage medium
vsstorage device
  • Specialized
4.1

A device or material that keeps information so you can use it later

is the actual equipment item that holds digital information
removable disk
vsstorage device
  • Specialized
3.4

A small storage device you can take out and carry to move files

is the general equipment used to hold information, not necessarily removable
auxiliary storage
vsstorage device
  • Specialized
3.7

A device like a hard drive or flash drive that keeps data for a long time

is a general equipment item used to keep digital files regardless of role
magnetic storage medium
vsstorage device
  • Specialized
4.7

A device that stores information using tiny magnetic areas like a hard drive or tape

is a neutral equipment term not tied to a specific recording technology

How Much

hard drive
  • Specialized
106 2.8
storage device
  • Specialized
5 3.5
flash memory
  • Specialized
3 4.2
SD
  • Specialized
15 3.9

Surface Forms

Morphology

storage + device

The meaning is directly and transparently derived from combining 'storage' (the place or function of keeping information) with 'device' (a manufactured tool), so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to a piece of equipment used for storing data. This noun–noun compound follows a common compositional pattern found across languages and uses literal, frequent constituents, making it immediately comprehensible to a B1-level learner.

Etymology

The name storage device puts together storage, a place to keep things, and device, a tool, so imagine a little box or tool that holds your stuff. That's why storage device means a tool like a hard drive or USB stick that 'stores' your digital files.