Computer
/kəmˈpjuːtər/
Definitions
3 meaningsAn electronic device that can store and process information.
/kəmˈpjuːtər/
An electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in binary form, according to instructions given to it in a variable program.
I use my computer to do my homework.
💡 Simply: Imagine a magical box that can do all sorts of amazing tasks! Like, remember your favorite games, help you draw pictures, or even help your parents with work. That's a computer!
👶 For kids: A machine that can do lots of jobs, like playing games, writing stories, and helping people.
More Examples
The computer crashed, and I lost all my work.
Modern computers are much faster than those of the past.
How It's Used
"The computer can perform complex calculations in seconds."
"The company upgraded its computer system to improve efficiency."
A person or thing that performs calculations.
/kəmˈpjuːtər/
A person or thing that computes, especially a person who makes calculations.
In the past, 'computers' were often women who performed calculations.
💡 Simply: It used to be that people were called computers too, because they were really good at adding and figuring things out, like solving math problems fast.
👶 For kids: A person who can add, subtract, and do other math problems.
More Examples
The task required skilled computers to process the data manually.
How It's Used
"Before electronic computers, humans were employed as computers to calculate ballistic trajectories."
To calculate or determine something mathematically.
/kəmˈpjuːt/
To perform a calculation or process data.
We need to compute the total cost of the project.
💡 Simply: When you're figuring out a math problem or using your brain to find an answer, that's computing!
👶 For kids: To figure out the answer to a math problem or something else.
More Examples
The computer can compute complex algorithms quickly.
Can you compute the final score?
How It's Used
"The program computes the result of the equation."
"Researchers are computing the data to draw conclusions."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
computer age
The current era, characterized by the widespread use of computers and information technology.
"We live in the computer age, where technology influences every aspect of our lives."
computer literate
Able to use computers and related technology effectively.
"It's important to be computer literate in today's job market."
Computer virus
A malicious software that replicates itself and infects computer systems.
"The company's computer system was infected by a virus."
From Old French *computere* and Latin *computare* ("to calculate"), ultimately from *putare* ("to reckon"). Initially referred to people who performed calculations, later evolving to encompass the electronic machines we know today.
Originally referred to people who performed calculations manually; the term transitioned to electronic devices in the mid-20th century.
Memory tip
Think of it as a super-smart calculator that can do many things.
Word Origin
"to reckon, to think, to calculate"