1.
[syn: analog computer, analogue computer]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Computer \Com*put"er\ (k[o^]m*p[=u]t"[~e]r), n.
1. One who computes.
2. (Computers) an electronic device for performing
calculations automatically. It consists of a clock to
provide voltage pulses to synchronize the operations of
the devices within the computer, a central processing
unit, where the arithmetical and logical operations are
performed on data, a random-access memory, where the
programs and data are stored for rapid access, devices to
input data and output results, and various other
peripheral devices of widely varied function, as well as
circuitry to support the main operations.
Note: This modern sense of computer comprises the
stored-program computers, in which multiple steps in a
calculation may be stored within the computer itself as
instructions in a program, and are then executed by
the computer without further intervention of the
operator. Different types of computer are variously
called analog computer, number cruncher,
number-cruncher, digital computer, and pari-mutuel
machine, totalizer, totaliser, totalizator,
totalisator.
Syn: data processor, electronic computer, information
processing system.
[WordNet 1.5 +PJC]
3. (Computers) same as digital computer.
[PJC]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
analog computer \analog computer\ analogue computer \analogue
computer\n.
a computer that represents information by continuously
variable quantities (e.g., positions or voltages).
[WordNet 1.5 +PJC]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
analog computer
n 1: a computer that represents information by variable
quantities (e.g., positions or voltages) [syn: analog
computer, analogue computer]
The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):
analogue computer
analog computer
A machine or electronic circuit designed
to work on numerical data represented by some physical
quantity (e.g. rotation or displacement) or electrical
quantity (e.g. voltage or charge) which varies continuously,
in contrast to digital signals which are either 0 or 1.
For example, the turning of a wheel or changes in voltage can
be used as input. Analogue computers are said to operate in
real time and are used for research in design where many
different shapes and speeds can be tried out quickly. A
computer model of a car suspension allows the designer to see
the effects of changing size, stiffness and damping.
(1995-05-01)