Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of optical storage medium: "compact disc read-only memory" refers to a specific format of compact disc designed for use with computers. It stores digital data that can be read by a laser but cannot be written to or erased by the user.
   • A pre-recorded data source: It contains a large amount of information (such as software, encyclopedias, or multimedia content) that is permanently written onto the disc during manufacturing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The encyclopedia was distributed on a compact disc read-only memory.
  • To install the software, you need to insert the compact disc read-only memory into your computer's drive.

Advanced Usage

• As an archival medium: Due to its read-only nature, CD-ROM was historically used for distributing stable, final versions of software and reference materials.
  • The museum's digital archives were preserved on compact disc read-only memory for long-term storage.

Variants and Related Words

• CD-ROM (n): The common abbreviation for "compact disc read-only memory."
  • Most computers in the 1990s came with a CD-ROM drive.
• ROM (n): Stands for "Read-Only Memory," a broader category of non-volatile memory that cannot be easily modified.
• Optical disc (n): The general category of storage media that includes CD-ROMs, DVDs, and Blu-rays.

Synonyms

• Read-only optical disc: A more technical term describing the medium's function and technology.
• Fixed-data disc: Emphasizes the permanent, unchangeable nature of the stored information.

Related Phrases

• CD-ROM drive (n): The hardware component in a computer used to read data from a CD-ROM.
  • The game requires a CD-ROM drive for installation.
• Burn a CD-ROM: Although users cannot write to a commercial CD-ROM, this phrase refers to the manufacturing process of creating one.
  • The company will burn a CD-ROM master for mass production.

Noun

1. a compact disk that is used with a computer (rather than with an audio system); a large amount of digital information can be stored and accessed but it cannot be altered by the user