analog computer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Historical
Quick answer
What does “analog computer” mean?
A computer that uses continuously variable physical quantities (like voltage, pressure, or mechanical movement) to model and solve problems, in contrast to digital computers which use discrete values.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A computer that uses continuously variable physical quantities (like voltage, pressure, or mechanical movement) to model and solve problems, in contrast to digital computers which use discrete values.
Historically, a type of computing device used for simulating complex systems, performing calculations in real-time, or controlling processes. In modern contexts, the term often refers to historical or specialized computing equipment, or is used metaphorically to describe non-digital, continuous processes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English prefers 'analogue computer', while American English uses 'analog computer'. Both are understood in both regions.
Connotations
Identical technical meaning. The British spelling 'analogue' aligns with other -ogue endings (catalogue, dialogue).
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to technical, historical, or educational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “analog computer” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] was simulated using an analog computer.An analog computer [VERBS: calculates, models, solves] [NOUN PHRASE].They replaced the analog computer with a digital one.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “analog computer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system was analogue-computed before digital conversion.
- They needed to analogue-compute the differential equations.
American English
- The system was analog-computed before digital conversion.
- They needed to analog-compute the differential equations.
adverb
British English
- The data was processed analoguely, not digitally.
American English
- The data was processed analogly, not digitally.
adjective
British English
- analogue-computing methods
- an analogue-computer component
American English
- analog-computing methods
- an analog-computer component
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in discussions of technological history or legacy industrial systems.
Academic
Common in history of science, engineering, and computer science courses to describe pre-digital computational methods.
Everyday
Very rare. Most non-specialists would simply say 'old computer'.
Technical
Standard term in engineering, physics, and computing history to describe a specific class of problem-solving machines.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “analog computer”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “analog computer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “analog computer”
- Using 'analog computer' to refer to any non-digital device (e.g., a slide rule or abacus). While related, these are more specific 'calculators'.
- Misspelling as 'analogue computer' in American technical writing.
- Confusing 'analog' in 'analog computer' with 'analog' in 'analog signal' – the computing concept is derived from the signal concept.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Old computer' could refer to an early digital computer. An analog computer represents a fundamentally different computing paradigm based on continuous physical models, not just an older version of today's digital computers.
Rarely, and in highly specialized areas. Some applications exist in real-time simulation, control systems, and education. However, they have been almost entirely superseded by digital computers due to versatility, accuracy, and ease of programming.
A slide rule is a simple manual analog computer. A thermostat is a very basic analog computer. A more complex example is the Norden bombsight used in WWII aircraft, which mechanically calculated bomb release points.
Lack of precision and programmability. Analog computers are subject to physical noise and component drift, limiting their accuracy. They are also hard to reprogram for new tasks, often requiring physical re-wiring or reconfiguration.
Analog computer is usually technical / historical in register.
Analog computer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ə.lɒɡ kəmˈpjuː.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ə.lɑːɡ kəmˈpjuː.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's like using an analog computer in a digital age. (Meaning: using an outdated or inefficient method)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an ANALOG clock with continuous moving hands – an ANALOG computer works with continuous physical measurements, not discrete digital numbers.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPUTATION IS PHYSICAL MODELING. The machine is a physical analogy of the problem it solves.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining characteristic of an analog computer?