flash memory
Definition
Noun: * A type of non-volatile computer memory storage medium that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed: Flash memory is a solid-state storage technology that retains data without power. It is commonly used in USB drives, memory cards, and solid-state drives (SSDs).
Usage
Flash memory is used as a mass noun to refer to the technology itself or as a countable noun when referring to a specific storage device or chip. * The camera stores photos on flash memory. * This USB drive contains 64 gigabytes of flash memory. * The device's flash memory can be rewritten many times.
Advanced Usage
- NAND flash / NOR flash: Technical terms for the two primary architectures of flash memory, differing in their connection design and use cases (NAND is common for storage, NOR for code execution).
- Most SSDs use NAND flash memory for its high density and lower cost.
- Flash memory cell: The basic unit that stores a single bit of data.
- Multi-level cell technology allows a single flash memory cell to store more than one bit.
Variants and Related Words
- Flash drive (n): A portable data storage device that uses flash memory, typically with a USB interface.
- I saved the presentation on my flash drive.
- Flash card / Memory card (n): A small, removable flash memory data storage device used in digital cameras, phones, etc.
- The memory card in my phone is almost full.
Synonyms
- Solid-state storage: A broader category of storage with no moving parts, which includes flash memory.
- Non-volatile memory (NVM): A technical term for any memory that retains data without power.
Related Phrases
- Flash storage: A term often used interchangeably with flash memory, particularly in the context of larger storage systems.
- The server uses fast flash storage for the database.
Noun
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nonvolatile storage that can be electrically erased and programmed anew
