Computer: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for any electronic device that can store and process data. Suitable for both personal and professional use.

• She bought a new computer for her home office
• The computer crashed, and he lost all his work

Short for 'personal computer', typically refers to a desktop or laptop running the Windows operating system, as opposed to a Mac.

• She prefers a PC because it's compatible with her software
• His PC was custom-built for gaming

A portable computer that can be easily carried around, used for both work and personal tasks on the go.

• She takes her laptop to the coffee shop to work
• His laptop battery died in the middle of the meeting

Refers specifically to a stationary computer, often used in a fixed location like an office or home workstation.

• He prefers using a desktop for graphic design because of its powerful hardware
• The desktop was too bulky to carry around

A broader term that can refer to any mechanical or electronic device, often implying functionality and efficiency. Can feel more impersonal.

• The machine in the server room needs regular maintenance
• The vending machine wasn’t working

When referring to an electronic device used for processing, storing, and retrieving data.

• I need a new computer for my graphic design work.
• My computer crashed while I was working on my project.

When referring to a device or software used for mathematical calculations.

• I always use a calculator to check my math homework.
• The calculator on my phone is very handy.

When describing a person who specializes in mathematics.

• She is a brilliant mathematician who has won several awards.
• Mathematicians often work in academia or research institutions.

When discussing the organ in the head that controls thoughts, memory, and emotion, or metaphorically when referring to someone's intelligence.

• The brain is a complex organ responsible for all our cognitive functions.
• She is the brain behind the successful marketing campaign.

Used to refer to an electronic device that is capable of processing and storing data. It is commonly used in everyday language to describe the physical hardware or the concept of computing.

• I bought a new computer for my office.
• The computer is running a bit slow today.

Often used in mathematics or tasks that involve determining a result by using numbers or data. Can also be used in a figurative sense to mean to plan or think about something carefully.

• She needs to calculate the total expenses for the trip.
• He tried to calculate the risks involved in the investment.

Typically used to describe a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular result, especially when talking about data handling or treatment. Often used in technical or business contexts.

• The machine processes data at a very high speed.
• We need to process this order before shipping.

Generally used in informal speech and writing when one needs to solve a problem, understand something, or determine a solution. It is often used when talking about understanding something after thinking about it.

• I can't figure out how to fix this leak.
• It took me an hour to figure out the puzzle.