Definition

Noun: A physical integrated circuit (chip) that stores data permanently or semi-permanently. The data on this chip can be read by a computer or other electronic device but cannot be modified, erased, or rewritten under normal operating conditions. It is a type of non-volatile memory, meaning it retains its stored information even when the power is turned off.

Usage

This term refers specifically to the hardware component. It is commonly used in computing and electronics contexts. * The computer's basic startup instructions are stored on a read-only memory chip. * To upgrade the firmware, they had to physically replace the old read-only memory chip with a new one.

Advanced Usage

• Mask ROM: A type of where the data is written during the manufacturing process and is permanently fixed.
• Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM): A that can be programmed by the user once, typically using a special device called a PROM programmer.

Variants and Related Words

• ROM (Noun): The common abbreviation for Read-Only Memory. It can refer to the type of memory or the chip itself.
• Memory chip (Noun): The broader category of integrated circuits used for data storage, which includes RAM and ROM chips.
• Firmware (Noun): The permanent software programmed into a .

Synonyms

• ROM chip (Noun): A direct synonym.
• Non-volatile memory chip (Noun): A broader term describing chips that retain data without power, which includes ROM chips.

Related Phrases

• Embedded ROM: A that is integrated into a larger system or microcontroller.
• ROM BIOS: Refers to the Basic Input/Output System firmware stored on a on a computer's motherboard.

Noun

1. a memory chip providing read-only memory