Definition

1. Noun:
   • An electronic memory device: "computer memory" refers to the physical hardware components within a computer that store data and instructions for processing.
   • The central storage unit: It is the component, along with the CPU, that forms the core of a computer to which other devices (peripherals) are connected.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Adding more computer memory can significantly speed up your system.
  • The data is temporarily held in the computer memory before being saved to the hard drive.

Advanced Usage

• "Volatile memory": A type of computer memory that requires power to maintain the stored information, such as RAM (Random Access Memory).

  • RAM is volatile memory, so all data is lost when the computer is turned off.

• "Memory hierarchy": The organization of different types of computer memory (e.g., cache, RAM, storage) based on speed, cost, and capacity.

  • Understanding the memory hierarchy is key to optimizing software performance.

Variants and Related Words

• RAM (Random Access Memory) (n): The primary volatile computer memory where the operating system and application data are kept for quick access by the CPU.

  • This laptop has 16 gigabytes of RAM.

• ROM (Read-Only Memory) (n): A type of non-volatile computer memory used to store firmware or permanent software instructions.

  • The device's startup instructions are stored in ROM.

• Cache memory (n): A small, high-speed computer memory that stores frequently used data for rapid access.

  • The processor's cache memory helps reduce latency.

Synonyms

• Storage: (In a general computing context) The act or means of retaining digital data.
• RAM: (Specifically) The common term for the main volatile memory.

Related Phrases

• "Memory address": A unique identifier for a location in computer memory.

  • The program encountered an error trying to access an invalid memory address.

• "Memory allocation": The process of assigning portions of computer memory to programs.

  • Dynamic memory allocation happens while a program is running.

Related Idioms

• "A memory like a computer": An idiom praising someone's exceptional ability to remember details accurately and in large quantities.
  • For historical dates, she has a memory like a computer.

Noun

1. an electronic memory device
   • a memory and the CPU form the central part of a computer to which peripherals are attached