computer
Americannoun
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a programmable electronic device designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display the results of these operations. Mainframes, desktop and laptop computers, tablets, and smartphones are some of the different types of computers.
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a computer program or algorithm.
A computer can write a pop tune, but there's no guarantee it will be a hit.
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a person who computes; computist.
noun
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a device, usually electronic, that processes data according to a set of instructions. The digital computer stores data in discrete units and performs arithmetical and logical operations at very high speed. The analog computer has no memory and is slower than the digital computer but has a continuous rather than a discrete input. The hybrid computer combines some of the advantages of digital and analog computers See also digital computer analog computer hybrid computer
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( as modifier )
computer technology
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a person who computes or calculates
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of computer
First recorded in 1640–50; compute + -er 1; compare Middle French computeur
Explanation
Unless you're living in a cave cut off from humanity, you've seen these electronic machines with a screen, keyboard, and brain that stores massive amounts of information. Computers are ubiquitous in offices, airports, schools...even caves cut off from humanity. Though computers are a thoroughly modern invention, the root word that gave them their name dates all the way back to Roman times. Tech geeks dreamed up computer by embellishing the English word compute, which means "to calculate." Compute, in turn, comes from Latin com-, "with" and putare, "to reckon." So, your computer is a device that helps you reckon — or think. It also comes in handy for email and every type of entertainment imaginable.
Vocabulary lists containing computer
Units 2–3
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Computer Terms
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Video Game Vocabulary
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A major reason for the lower number of injuries is that children today are sequestered at home in front of computer screens rather than playing outdoors.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
The findings may also influence rehabilitation science, neuroscience, robotics, and human computer interaction.
From Science Daily • May 28, 2026
Contreras handled a full slate of high school classes, clubs and activities: advanced placement Spanish, computer science, the Associated Student Body and college preparation in her AVID, or Advancement Via Individual Determination, class.
From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026
Department of Defense announced a new multi-billion dollar contract with the computer maker.
From Barron's • May 28, 2026
And how, if he—whoever “he” was—could find Jonah’s note and Chip’s computer files, then that person could just as easily tap their phones.
From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
