computer

noun

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.

(now rare, chiefly historical) A person employed to perform computations; one who computes.

(by restriction, chiefly historical) A male computer.

verb

(intransitive) To use a computer.

(transitive) To send via computer.

(transitive) To transfer onto a computer; to computerize.

Roots

putoput- · Latin · reckon, think

Synonyms for computer

calculatorn hardwaren reckonern printern

Synonyms & related words for computer

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of computer — including calculator, hardware, reckoner, printer. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to computer

Explore words related to computer — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include computerate, laptop, minicomputer, microcomputer, teleprocessing, palmtop, desktop, computing. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for computer

Common synonyms for computer include calculator, hardware, reckoner, printer — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does computer come from?

The word computer breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root put-, from Latin puto (“reckon, think”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.