An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
English-French-Persian

A computer in which data is stored and processed in the form of continually varying signals representing a physical quantity rather than in the form of individual numerical values. The simplest analogue computers are side rules, thermometers, voltmeters, and speedometers.

→ analogue; → computer.

An electronic device which can accept data, apply a series of logical instructions rapidly, and supply the results of the processes as information.

From → compute + suffix → -er.

Râyângar "arranger, organizer," on the model of Fr. ordinateur according to which the electronic device arranges/organizes instructions and information. Râyângar, from râyân- stem of râyânidan "to regulate, set in order," from Mid.Pers. râyânīdan "to arrange, organize" + -gar agent suffix. Râyân-, from rây-, Mod.Pers. ârây-, ârâyeš, ârâyidan "to arrange, adorn," Mid.Pers. ârây-, ârâstan "to arrange, adorn;" O.Pers. rād- "to prepare," rās- "to be right, straight, true," rāsta- "straight, true" (Mod.Pers. râst "straight, true"); Av. rāz- "to direct, put in line, set," razan- "order;" Gk. oregein "to stretch out;" L. regere "to lead straight, guide, rule," p.p. rectus "right, straight;" Skt. rji- "to make straight or right, arrange, decorate;" PIE base *reg- "move in a straight line;" see also → direct.

A segment of self-replicating code planted illegally in a computer program, often to damage or shut down a system or network (Dictionary.com).

→ computer; → virus.

The process or state of computerizing.

→ computerize.

To control, perform, process, or store by means of or in an electronic computer or computers.

From → computer + verb forming suffix → -ize.

A computer that accepts and operates with → discrete data in the form of combinations of digits, letters, or other characters. In modern terminology, generally called computer.

→ digital + → computer.

A type of computer, as yet hypothetical, that uses quantum mechanical laws, such as the → superposition principle and the → quantum entanglement, to perform calculations based on the behavior of particles at the → subatomic level. A quantum computer would gain enormous processing power through the ability to be in multiple states, and to perform tasks using all possible permutations simultaneously.

→ quantum; → computer.