wetware

Free On-line Dictionary of Computing

<jargon> /wet'weir/ (Probably from the novels of Rudy Rucker, or maybe Stanislav Lem) The human nervous system, as opposed to electronic computer hardware or software. "Wetware has 7 plus or minus 2 temporary registers." Also, human beings (programmers, operators, administrators) attached to a computer system, as opposed to the system's hardware or software.

See liveware, meatware. [True origin? Dates?] [Jargon File]

(1996-08-19)

The Jargon File

1.The human nervous system, as opposed to computer hardware or software. “ Wetware has 7 plus or minus 2 temporary registers.”

2.Human beings (programmers, operators, administrators) attached to a computer system, as opposed to the system's hardware or software. See liveware, meatware.