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Glite Dictionary
volatile storage

volatile storage

5.3
Temporary computer memory that loses data when power is off
  • noun
  • /ˈvɒl.ə.tɪl ˈstɔːrɪdʒ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : memoria volátil
  • RAM is a type of volatile storage that loses its data when the computer is powered down.

Examples

  • Because flash memory is not volatile storage, it retains information even if the device is turned off.

  • When selecting components, it's important to distinguish between volatile storage and permanent memory like hard drives.

  • Don't forget about volatile storage!

  • The system crashed, and I lost everything in volatile storage!

  • RAM is a type of volatile storage that loses its data when the computer is powered down.

  • When selecting components, it's important to distinguish between volatile storage and permanent memory like hard drives.

  • Users must be aware that volatile storage such as RAM does not retain information after the device is turned off.

Synonyms

random memory
vsvolatile storage
  • Specialized
5.7

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

is erased when power stops rather than focusing on access order

Antonyms

nonvolatile storage
  • Specialized
5.1

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

How Volatile

volatile storage
  • Specialized
5.3
nonvolatile storage
  • Specialized
5.1

Surface Forms

volatile storage singular
volatile storages plural

Morphology

volatile + storage

The adjective 'volatile' (unstable, likely to change) combined with 'storage' (place for keeping information) allows a learner to infer a type of storage that does not reliably persist, so a basic non-persistent meaning is recoverable from the parts. However, the exact technical implication that the data is erased specifically when power is turned off is specialized computing knowledge and not fully predictable for an average B1 learner, so the expression is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Volatile storage uses the everyday idea of volatile as something that disappears quickly and storage as a place to keep things. So, think of steam that disappears when the heat is turned off: it means computer memory that 'loses its data' when the power is turned off.