Definition

Noun: A physical component or system designed to store data or instructions so they can be retrieved later by a computer or other digital system.

Usage

A "memory device" is a hardware component used for data storage. It is a core term in computing and electronics. - The most common memory device in a personal computer is the hard drive. - USB flash drives are portable memory devices.

Advanced Usage

• Primary vs. Secondary: In computing, memory devices are often categorized. Primary memory devices (like RAM) provide fast, temporary storage for active data, while secondary memory devices (like SSDs or HDDs) offer larger, persistent storage.
  • The system's performance depends heavily on its primary memory device, the RAM.
• Non-volatile Memory Device: A type of memory device that retains stored information even when power is turned off.
  • An SSD is a non-volatile memory device.

Variants and Related Words

• Storage Device: A very close synonym often used interchangeably with "memory device," though it can sometimes imply a focus on long-term, high-capacity storage.
• Memory: The broader concept of computer data storage, of which a memory device is the physical implementation.
• Memory Chip: A specific type of memory device in integrated circuit form.
  • The smartphone's memory chip has a capacity of 128GB.

Synonyms

• Storage device
• Data storage device
• Memory unit
• Storage medium

Related Phrases

• External memory device: A memory device that is connected to a computer system from outside, such as an external hard drive or a USB stick.
  • Always safely eject an external memory device before unplugging it.
• Internal memory device: A memory device installed inside a computer's casing, like an internal solid-state drive.
  • The technician replaced the faulty internal memory device.

Noun

1. a device that preserves information for retrieval