Definition

Noun: - A type of computer memory: A now-obsolete form of computer data storage that uses an array of small magnetic rings (cores) to store binary information. Each magnetic core can be magnetized in one of two directions, representing a 0 or a 1 bit.

Usage

This term specifically refers to the historical hardware technology used in early computers. - The early mainframe computer relied on magnetic core memory for its main storage. - Before the advent of semiconductor chips, magnetic core memory was the dominant technology for RAM.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: The term is used in historical, technical, or educational discussions about computer architecture and the evolution of memory technology.
  • The engineer explained how data was read from and written to magnetic core memory.

Variants and Related Words

• Core memory (n): A common shortened form of "magnetic core memory."
  • The system's core memory was surprisingly robust.
• Magnetic core (n): Refers to the individual ferrite ring that stores a single bit of data.
  • A single magnetic core was threaded by wires for reading and writing.

Synonyms

• Core storage (n): Another term for this memory technology.
• Ferrite-core memory (n): A synonym emphasizing the material (ferrite) of the cores.

Related Phrases

• Magnetic core memory is now obsolete: A standard phrase noting its historical status.
  • Magnetic core memory is now obsolete, having been replaced by semiconductor memory.

Noun

1. (computer science) a computer memory consisting of an array of magnetic cores; now superseded by semiconductor memories