computer
//kəmˈpjuːtə//
Forms
- Plural
- computers
Definitions
1.A programmable electronic device that performs mathematical calculations and logical operations, especially one that can process, store and retrieve large amounts of data very quickly; now especially, a small one for personal or home use employed for manipulating text or graphics, accessing the Internet, or playing games or media.
- Janet works at the computer store.
- I spend around 6 hours a day at the computer.
- As well as saving the photos on my computer, I have them backed up on a USB drive.
Frequency
Overall
Common· #691
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Uncommon
- General reading & writing
- Common
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Etymology
From compute + -er.
Doublet of cantore, counter, and kontor.
The sense referring to people first appears c.
1613 in the works of the poet Richard Brathwait.
The sense referring to a machine first appears c.
1897 in the magazine Engineering.