direct memory access: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Computing
Quick answer
What does “direct memory access” mean?
A method that allows computer hardware subsystems to transfer data to and from memory independently of the central processing unit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A method that allows computer hardware subsystems to transfer data to and from memory independently of the central processing unit.
A feature of computer systems designed for high-speed data transfer, bypassing the main CPU to improve performance, commonly used for graphics cards, sound cards, disk drive controllers, and network interfaces.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. The abbreviation 'DMA' is universal. Pronunciation may vary slightly in stress or vowel quality.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties; denotes a technical, performance-enhancing feature.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language but standard in technical computing contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “direct memory access” in a Sentence
The [DEVICE] uses direct memory access.Direct memory access is enabled for the [PERIPHERAL].[SOFTWARE] relies on DMA to [FUNCTION].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “direct memory access” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable for this noun phrase]
American English
- [Not applicable for this noun phrase]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable]
American English
- [Not applicable]
adjective
British English
- The DMA controller
- A DMA-based transfer
American English
- The DMA channel
- A DMA-capable device
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in IT procurement or hardware specification discussions.
Academic
Common in computer science, electrical engineering, and hardware architecture papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in computing, electronics, embedded systems, and driver development.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “direct memory access”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “direct memory access”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “direct memory access”
- Pronouncing the acronym 'DMA' as a word (/diːmɑː/). It is pronounced letter-by-letter: /diː em eɪ/.
- Using 'direct memory access' as a verb (e.g., 'The device will direct memory access'). It is only a noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
DMA is used for both reading data from memory and writing data to memory. It facilitates bidirectional data transfer.
Not directly. It makes specific data transfers for peripherals faster and more efficient by freeing up the CPU, which can then perform other tasks. This can improve overall system performance in multi-tasking scenarios.
No. A device must have a DMA controller (or the system must have a central one) and be designed to support the DMA protocol. The system's motherboard and operating system must also support it.
Bus mastering is a more advanced form of DMA. In standard DMA, a central DMA controller manages the transfer. In bus mastering, the peripheral device itself takes temporary control of the system bus to initiate and manage the data transfer, offering even greater efficiency and flexibility.
A method that allows computer hardware subsystems to transfer data to and from memory independently of the central processing unit.
Direct memory access is usually technical/computing in register.
Direct memory access: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˌrekt ˈmeməri əkˈses/, and in American English it is pronounced /dəˌrekt ˈmeməri ˈækˌses/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not applicable for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a VIP (the hardware device) with a backstage pass (DMA) that lets them access the green room (memory) directly without going through the busy manager (CPU).
Conceptual Metaphor
A COURIER WITH A MASTER KEY: The hardware device is like a trusted courier who has a key to bypass all security checkpoints (the CPU) to deliver or pick up packages (data) directly from the warehouse (memory).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of Direct Memory Access (DMA)?