Definition

Noun: A Hollerith card is a piece of stiff paper that contains information represented by patterns of holes punched in it. It was used for data input, processing, and storage in early computing and data processing machines.

Usage

The term "Hollerith card" refers specifically to the physical punched card and its function in historical data systems. * Data was stored on Hollerith cards by punching holes in specific columns. * Early computers used a Hollerith card reader to input programs and data.

Examples

• The 1890 U.S. Census data was processed using Hollerith cards.
• She fed a stack of Hollerith cards into the machine to run the calculation.
• Each Hollerith card typically held 80 characters of data.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical or technical contexts discussing the evolution of data storage.
• It is synonymous with "punched card" or "IBM card," though "Hollerith card" specifically references the inventor, Herman Hollerith.

Variants and Related Words

• Punched card (n): The general term for a card storing data as punched holes.
• IBM card (n): A common later term for a punched card, named after the company that popularized the technology.
• Card reader (n): A device that interprets the holes on a punched card.

Synonyms

• Punched card
• IBM card
• Data card (in a historical computing context)

Notes

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with this technical noun.
• The word is a proper noun (derived from a surname) used attributively to describe a type of card.

Noun

1. a card on which data can be recorded in the form of punched holes