Object Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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object
[ËÉb.dĘÉŞkt ]
Definition
in programming
A data structure that contains data and functions to manipulate that data.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| object |
Used when referring to a physical or non-physical thing that can be perceived by the senses or the mind. Often used in everyday language to talk about things around us.
|
| instance |
Used to indicate a specific occurrence or example of something, often in discussing cases or examples within a larger category.
|
| entity |
Used to refer to something that exists as a single, separate, and self-contained unit, often in formal, legal, or business contexts.
|
| element |
Used when talking about a fundamental or essential part of something larger, often in scientific or technical contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- JavaScript objects are used to store key-value pairs.
- In object-oriented programming, objects are instances of classes.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- In philosophy, an object is often discussed in relation to perception; it's how we categorize the world around us.
- Philosophers like Descartes analyzed how objects exist independent of our perception, leading to discussions about reality.
Science
- In physics, objects can be categorized into solid, liquid, and gas states, each having different properties.
- Newton's laws of motion describe how physical objects behave when forces act on them, laying the groundwork for classical mechanics.
Art
- In visual arts, an object can be a subject of artwork, representing physical forms or ideas.
- Sculptors often focus on the texture and volume of objects to convey emotion and depth.
Pop Culture
- In films and stories, objects often have symbolic meanings, like the ring in 'The Lord of the Rings' representing power and temptation.
- Superheroes frequently rely on objects like gadgets and tools to perform their feats, such as Iron Man's suit or Batman's utility belt.
Origin of 'object'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'objectum', meaning 'something thrown in the way', illustrating how objects are real and present.
- In Middle English, it was used similarly to describe a thing that could be perceived by the senses.
The word 'object' originated from the Latin word 'objectum', meaning 'thing thrown before', which was derived from the verb 'objicere', meaning 'to throw or present'. The concept of an object in programming dates back to the 1960s with the development of object-oriented programming languages like Simula and Smalltalk. Objects play a central role in modern programming paradigms, enabling encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.
See also: objectification, objectify, objection, objectionable, objective, objectively, objectivity, objector, unobjectionable.