GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
last match results
Found one definition
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Hardware (härdˈwârˌ), n.
1. Ware made of metal, as cutlery, kitchen utensils, and the like; ironmongery.
[1913 Webster]
2. Any of the physical objects used in carrying out an activity, in contrast to the knowledge, skill, or theory required to perform the activity; mostly used collectively.
[PJC]
3. Specifically: (Computers) The sum of all the physical objects, such as the electrical, mechanical, and electronic devices which comprise a computer system; as, “the typical PC hardware suite consists of a mainboard and a number of peripherals such as hard drives and speakers, connected by adapter cards, but the input and output from users occurs mostly through the keyboard and monitor”; contrasted with software, the programs executed by the computer.
[PJC]
4. Specifically: (Military) The weapons, transport, and other physical objects used in conducting a war.
[PJC]
5. (Slang) Weapons, especially handguns, carried on the person; as, “check your hardware at the door before entering”.
[PJC]