computer
    n 1: a machine for performing calculations automatically [syn:
         computer, computing machine, computing device, data
         processor, electronic computer, information processing
         system]
    2: an expert at calculation (or at operating calculating
       machines) [syn: calculator, reckoner, figurer,
       estimator, 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]

electronic device \electronic device\ n.
   a device depending on the principles of electronics and using
   the manipulation of electron flow for its operation.
   [PJC]

   Note: Numerous electronic devices are in daily use, among
         them the television, radio, computer, robot,
         transmitter, receiver, VCR, CD player, etc.
         [PJC]

Computer

    A journal of the IEEE Computer Society.

   (1995-03-10)

computer
computing

    A machine that can be programmed to manipulate
   symbols.  Computers can perform complex and repetitive
   procedures quickly, precisely and reliably and can store and
   retrieve large amounts of data.  Most computers in use today
   are electronic digital computers (as opposed to analogue
   computers).

   The physical components from which a computer is constructed
   are known as hardware, which can be of four types: CPU,
   memory, input devices and output devices.

   The CPU (central processing unit) executes software
   programs which tell the computer what to do.  Input and
   output (I/O) devices allow the computer to communicate with
   the user and the outside world.  There are many kinds of
   memory or storage - fast, expensive, short term memory
   (e.g. RAM) to hold intermediate results, and slower,
   cheaper, long-term memory (e.g. magnetic disk and magnetic
   tape) to hold programs and data that are not being used
   immediately.

   Computers today are often connected to a network (which may
   be part of the Internet).  This allows them to be accessed
   from elsewhere and to exchange data with other computers.

   (2018-06-25)