digital computer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “digital computer” mean?
An electronic device that processes information represented as discrete values (binary digits: 0s and 1s), performing calculations and logical operations according to a stored program.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An electronic device that processes information represented as discrete values (binary digits: 0s and 1s), performing calculations and logical operations according to a stored program.
The foundational, programmable computing machine that underpins modern information technology, from personal computers and servers to embedded systems, distinct from analog computers which process continuous physical signals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Spelling of related terms follows regional conventions (e.g., BrE 'programme' vs. AmE 'program' for software).
Connotations
Identical. The term carries strong technical/scientific connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Higher frequency in technical, historical, and academic contexts in both regions. In everyday speech, the shortened form 'computer' is almost universally used.
Grammar
How to Use “digital computer” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] is/was a digital computer.[VERB] a digital computer to [INFINITIVE].The development/design of the digital computer.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “digital computer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The data was digitised and then digital-computer processed.
- They sought to digital-computer simulate the weather patterns.
American English
- The data was digitized and then digital-computer processed.
- We need to digital-computer model this complex system.
adverb
British English
- The problem was solved digital-computer-wise.
- The calculations were performed digital-computer-fast.
American English
- They processed the information digital-computer quickly.
- The system operates digital-computer efficiently.
adjective
British English
- The digital-computer era began in the mid-20th century.
- It was a groundbreaking digital-computer design.
American English
- The digital-computer age transformed society.
- He is an expert in digital-computer architecture.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used when discussing IT infrastructure history or differentiating system types: 'Our legacy systems evolved from early digital computers.'
Academic
Common in computing history, engineering, and philosophy of technology: 'Turing's conceptual model laid the groundwork for the universal digital computer.'
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. 'Computer' is used instead: 'My computer crashed.'
Technical
Precise term in computer science and electrical engineering to specify architecture: 'The signal must be converted from analog to digital for the digital computer to process it.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “digital computer”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “digital computer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “digital computer”
- Using 'digital computer' redundantly in modern contexts where 'computer' is enough (e.g., 'I bought a new digital computer').
- Confusing 'digital' with 'electronic' (all digital computers are electronic, but not all electronic devices are digital computers).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all modern personal computers, smartphones, and servers are digital computers. The term is technically precise but often omitted because non-digital computers are now historical curiosities.
Before their dominance, people used mechanical calculators, slide rules, and analog computers (which use continuous physical quantities like voltage or shaft rotation to model problems).
It comes from 'digit', meaning finger or numeral. Digital computers manipulate information as discrete digits (specifically binary digits - bits), in contrast to the continuous signals of analog systems.
In formal technical writing, it can be used in a compound modifier (e.g., 'digital-computer technology'), but in most cases, 'digital' and 'computer' are kept as separate words functioning as a noun phrase.
An electronic device that processes information represented as discrete values (binary digits: 0s and 1s), performing calculations and logical operations according to a stored program.
Digital computer is usually formal, technical in register.
Digital computer: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɪdʒ.ɪ.təl kəmˈpjuː.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪdʒ.ə.t̬əl kəmˈpjuː.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The digital computer age”
- “From the abacus to the digital computer”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIGITAL = DIGITS. A DIGITAL computer works with numbers (digits), specifically binary digits (0s and 1s).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE COMPUTER IS A BRAIN (though this is a contested metaphor); INFORMATION IS A DISCRETE, MANIPULABLE OBJECT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes a digital computer from an analog computer?