Computer Meaning
Computer Definition & Usage
A machine designed for the automatic performance of a wide range of tasks, especially one that can store, retrieve, and process data.
Examples
- "He spent hours in front of his computer, working on the project."
- "The company invested in new computers to improve productivity."
- "Computers have revolutionized the way we communicate and work."
- "I need to buy a new computer because mine is too slow."
- "In the 1990s, owning a personal computer became a necessity for many families."
A person employed to perform calculations or computations, especially in earlier centuries before machines were invented.
Examples
- "In the early 20th century, the term 'computer' referred to the people who manually performed complex calculations."
- "Many of the computers in early NASA missions were women, performing tedious calculations by hand."
- "Before machines took over, the job of a computer was crucial in scientific research."
- "The computer was an essential role in early astronomy for calculating planetary movements."
- "The work of the human computer was time-consuming but vital for the success of many engineering projects."
Cultural Context
The term 'computer' originally referred to a human being who performed mathematical calculations. The modern usage of the word refers to an electronic machine capable of performing a wide variety of tasks, from basic arithmetic to complex simulations. The evolution of computers has been central to technological and social developments in the 20th and 21st centuries, including the digital revolution, the internet age, and artificial intelligence.
The Human and the Machine
Story
The Human and the Machine
In the bustling city of Silicon Valley, Clara sat at her desk, eyes glued to the glowing screen of her sleek laptop. As a software engineer, her job was to design programs that made computers faster and smarter. Her mind whirred as her fingers danced across the keyboard, writing lines of code. 'Just a few more tweaks,' she thought, 'and I'll be finished.' But Clara wasn’t always a software engineer. Years ago, she was a human computer, calculating complex algorithms by hand. Back then, the word 'computer' referred to people like her, working tirelessly in research labs and institutions, performing mind-numbing calculations for scientific studies. She remembered working for a prestigious astrophysics team, calculating orbital trajectories and star movements using nothing but a pencil, paper, and a sharp mind. It was a time before modern technology made it all easier, when being a 'computer' meant being meticulous and dedicated to numbers. One evening, as Clara was explaining her job to her younger cousin, Ellie, she realized how much the definition of 'computer' had changed. 'So you're telling me that a computer can think for you?' Ellie asked, eyes wide in disbelief. Clara smiled and nodded. 'Yes, Ellie, and it can do so much more. It can help with research, entertainment, business, and even connect people across the world. It's not just a tool anymore. It's an essential part of our daily lives.' As Clara continued her explanation, she couldn't help but marvel at the transformation the word 'computer' had undergone. What was once a labor-intensive job performed by humans had now become a global phenomenon, shaping industries and cultures across the globe. The human computer had evolved into the machine that now drives the digital age.
Related Words
