bubble memory: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical
Quick answer
What does “bubble memory” mean?
A type of non-volatile computer memory using tiny magnetised areas (bubbles) in a thin magnetic film.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of non-volatile computer memory using tiny magnetised areas (bubbles) in a thin magnetic film.
A now-obsolete solid-state memory technology from the 1970s-1980s that stored data as magnetic domains moving through a crystalline material, notable for its durability but slow speed compared to modern alternatives.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences; term is identical and technical.
Connotations
Identical; implies historical, niche, obsolete technology.
Frequency
Extremely low in both variants, confined to specialised technical or historical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “bubble memory” in a Sentence
Bubble memory was used in [system/application][Device] employed bubble memory for [purpose]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bubble memory” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system was designed to bubble memory data to the processor.
- Early computers could bubble memory contents through a shift register.
American English
- The controller would bubble memory data through the magnetic film.
- You had to bubble the memory to access specific domains.
adverb
British English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The bubble-memory unit was remarkably robust.
- They considered a bubble-memory solution for the harsh environment.
American English
- The bubble memory device survived the temperature extremes.
- It was a bubble-memory storage module.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used only when discussing historical tech investments or the evolution of storage.
Academic
Found in papers on computer history, materials science, or obsolete tech.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used precisely in engineering history, retrocomputing, or discussions of memory evolution.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bubble memory”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bubble memory”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bubble memory”
- Using it as a synonym for modern flash memory
- Confusing it with 'bubble' as in economic bubble.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is completely obsolete, having been superseded by far faster and cheaper technologies like flash memory and DRAM.
Its main advantage was being non-volatile and highly resistant to physical shock, vibration, and temperature extremes, making it suitable for demanding environments.
It is named for the visual appearance of the cylindrical magnetic domains under a microscope, which resembled tiny bubbles moving through the thin magnetic film.
Only as a collector's item or from suppliers of obsolete electronic components for maintaining legacy systems.
A type of non-volatile computer memory using tiny magnetised areas (bubbles) in a thin magnetic film.
Bubble memory is usually technical in register.
Bubble memory: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbʌb(ə)l ˌmɛm(ə)ri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbʌbəl ˌmɛməri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no idioms specific to this term; technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of bubbles trapped in a film, each holding a bit of data, moving slowly like bubbles in a drink - durable but not fast.
Conceptual Metaphor
Data as magnetic bubbles floating in a material sea.
Practice
Quiz
Bubble memory is best described as: