analog computer
    n 1: a computer that represents information by variable
         quantities (e.g., positions or voltages) [syn: analog
         computer, analogue computer]

Computer \Com*put"er\ (k[o^]m*p[=u]t"[~e]r), n.
   1. One who computes.

   2. (Computers) an electronic device for performing
      calculations automatically. It consists of a clock to
      provide voltage pulses to synchronize the operations of
      the devices within the computer, a central processing
      unit, where the arithmetical and logical operations are
      performed on data, a random-access memory, where the
      programs and data are stored for rapid access, devices to
      input data and output results, and various other
      peripheral devices of widely varied function, as well as
      circuitry to support the main operations.

   Note: This modern sense of computer comprises the
         stored-program computers, in which multiple steps in a
         calculation may be stored within the computer itself as
         instructions in a program, and are then executed by
         the computer without further intervention of the
         operator. Different types of computer are variously
         called analog computer, number cruncher,
         number-cruncher, digital computer, and pari-mutuel
         machine, totalizer, totaliser, totalizator,
         totalisator.

   Syn: data processor, electronic computer, information
        processing system.
        [WordNet 1.5 +PJC]

   3. (Computers) same as digital computer.
      [PJC]

analog computer \analog computer\ analogue computer \analogue
computer\n.
   a computer that represents information by continuously
   variable quantities (e.g., positions or voltages).
   [WordNet 1.5 +PJC]

analogue computer
analog computer

    A machine or electronic circuit designed
   to work on numerical data represented by some physical
   quantity (e.g. rotation or displacement) or electrical
   quantity (e.g. voltage or charge) which varies continuously,
   in contrast to digital signals which are either 0 or 1.

   For example, the turning of a wheel or changes in voltage can
   be used as input.  Analogue computers are said to operate in
   real time and are used for research in design where many
   different shapes and speeds can be tried out quickly.  A
   computer model of a car suspension allows the designer to see
   the effects of changing size, stiffness and damping.

   (1995-05-01)