datacard
Low to MediumTechnical, Corporate
Definition
Meaning
A physical card, typically small and flat, containing electronic data storage (like flash memory) or a dedicated function (like a SIM card) for use in a device such as a phone, camera, or computer.
More broadly, any card-shaped device or medium that stores or processes digital data. In corporate contexts, can also refer to a card provided by a mobile operator for data connectivity.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is a compound of 'data' and 'card'. It is most common in specific hardware contexts. Often superseded by more specific terms (e.g., SIM card, SD card) in everyday speech.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant orthographic or semantic differences. Both use the same form.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both; slightly more common in UK marketing materials for mobile broadband devices.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[device] requires a [datacard]load [data] onto a [datacard]use a [datacard] for [purpose]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A corporate-provided card for mobile internet access, e.g., 'Employees receive a 4G datacard for remote work.'
Academic
Rare; may appear in computer engineering or telecommunications papers discussing hardware components.
Everyday
Uncommon; users typically refer to specific card types (e.g., 'SD card for my camera').
Technical
Used in device manuals and specifications to denote a generic card-shaped data storage/connectivity module.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The datacard slot is at the side.
- He has a datacard reader.
American English
- The datacard slot is on the side.
- She bought a datacard adapter.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My new phone needs a small datacard.
- I put the photos on the datacard.
- The camera's datacard was full, so I couldn't take more pictures.
- You need to insert the datacard correctly for it to work.
- The provided datacard offers 32GB of storage, which is sufficient for most users.
- If the datacard becomes corrupted, you might lose all your data.
- The engineer recommended a high-speed datacard to ensure optimal performance for 4K video recording.
- Corporate datacards are often encrypted to protect sensitive business information.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bank card (CARD) that holds your DATA instead of money.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DATACARD is a PORTABLE CONTAINER for digital information.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation 'датакарта' which is not standard. Use 'карта памяти' (memory card) or 'SIM-карта'.
- Do not confuse with 'банковская карта' (bank card).
Common Mistakes
- Spelling as two words: 'data card' (acceptable but less common as a compound).
- Using 'datacard' as a verb (e.g., 'I'll datacard the files').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'datacard' most appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. An SD card is a specific type of datacard. 'Datacard' is a more general term for any card that stores data.
Yes, a SIM card is a type of datacard that stores subscriber information for mobile networks.
No, it's a technical term. Most people use more specific terms like 'memory card' or 'SIM card'.
In American English, it's typically pronounced as /ˈdeɪtəˌkɑːrd/, with the stress on the first syllable.