computer

com-pu-ter · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An electronic device for storing and processing data.

  2. 2.

    A person who performs calculations (archaic).

Forms

plural: computers

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    personal computer — a computer for individual use
  • •
    computer science — the study of computation
  • •
    computer virus — malicious software
  • •
    computer literate — competent with computers
  • •
    computer graphics — visual images created by computers

Related words

See also: hardware, laptop, software, technology
Synonyms: machine, pc, processor

Etymology

From Latin "computare" meaning to calculate, from "com-" (together) and "putare" (to reckon). The modern sense dates from the mid-20th century.