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core dump: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low (technical), Very Low (metaphorical)
UK/ˈkɔː dʌmp/US/ˈkɔr dʌmp/

Technical/Computing, Informal (metaphor)

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Quick answer

What does “core dump” mean?

A complete copy of the data in a computer's memory at a specific moment, usually captured after a system or program crash for diagnostic purposes.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A complete copy of the data in a computer's memory at a specific moment, usually captured after a system or program crash for diagnostic purposes.

Metaphorically used to describe a situation where someone emotionally or mentally unloads a large amount of information, often in a chaotic or overwhelming manner; a complete transfer or output of stored data or thoughts.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Both varieties use the term identically in technical contexts. The metaphorical use may be slightly more frequent in American tech culture.

Connotations

Technically neutral. Metaphorically, it can carry connotations of being overwhelmed, unfiltered, or informationally chaotic.

Frequency

Equally low in general discourse. Slightly higher frequency in professional and educational contexts related to computing in both regions.

Grammar

How to Use “core dump” in a Sentence

[verb] + core dump (e.g., generate, analyze)[adjective] + core dump (e.g., complete, massive)core dump + [preposition] + [noun] (e.g., core dump of memory, core dump from the crash)

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
analyze a core dumpgenerate a core dumpcrash core dumpmemory core dump
medium
produce a core dumpexamine the core dumpsave the core dumpsystem core dump
weak
large core dumpautomatic core dumpfull core dumpdebug core dump

Examples

Examples of “core dump” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • The application is configured to core dump on any segmentation fault.
  • We need the process to core dump for analysis.

American English

  • The server is set up to core dump when it crashes.
  • The debugger will force the program to core dump.

adjective

British English

  • The core-dump file was several gigabytes in size.
  • We examined the core-dump analysis report.

American English

  • He sent a core-dump email with every single detail.
  • The core-dump data was corrupted.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare, unless in IT departments discussing system failures.

Academic

Used in computer science, software engineering, and related technical fields.

Everyday

Virtually never used in a literal sense. The metaphorical use is niche and informal.

Technical

Primary context. Refers to a critical diagnostic tool for debugging software and hardware crashes.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “core dump”

Strong

system snapshot (at crash)

Neutral

crash dumpmemory dump

Weak

error logdiagnostic file

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “core dump”

live memoryexecuting processstable system

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “core dump”

  • Spelling as one word: 'coredump'.
  • Using it as a verb without the required article or preposition: 'The system will core dump' (better: 'The system will generate a core dump').

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

It is standardly written as two separate words: 'core dump'.

Yes, in technical computing contexts, it can be used verbally (e.g., 'The program will core dump'). In the metaphorical sense, it is also used verbally (e.g., 'He core dumped all his worries on me').

A core dump is a raw, complete copy of a process's memory at a point in time. A log file is a structured, textual record of events and messages generated by a system or application. They are used for different types of diagnostics.

No, it remains a niche, informal metaphor primarily understood within communities familiar with computing terminology. It is not part of general everyday vocabulary.

A complete copy of the data in a computer's memory at a specific moment, usually captured after a system or program crash for diagnostic purposes.

Core dump is usually technical/computing, informal (metaphor) in register.

Core dump: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔː dʌmp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔr dʌmp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “Do a core dump (on someone): To unload a large amount of complex information or emotion onto someone.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a computer's CORE (central) memory getting DUMPED out onto the floor after it faints (crashes).

Conceptual Metaphor

THE MIND IS A COMPUTER / INFORMATION IS A PHYSICAL SUBSTANCE THAT CAN BE DUMPED.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
To diagnose the software bug, the developer configured the application to generate a on failure.
Multiple Choice

In which context is the term 'core dump' LEAST likely to be used correctly?

core dump: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore