hardware

(härd'wâr')
n.

1. Metal goods and utensils such as locks, tools, and cutlery.
2. 1. Computer Science. A computer and the associated physical equipment directly involved in the performance of data-processing or communications functions.
   2. Machines and other physical equipment directly involved in performing an industrial, technological, or military function.
3. Informal. Weapons, especially military weapons.

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hardware

The physical machinery and devices that make up a computer system. It is contrasted to software — the programs and instructions used to run the system.

Mechanical and electronic parts that constitute a computer system, as distinguished from the computer programs (software) that drive the system. The main hardware elements are the central processing unit, disk or magnetic tape data storage devices, cathode-ray tube display terminals, keyboards, and printers.

Mechanical and electronic parts that constitute a computer system, as distinguished from the computer programs (software) that drive the system. The main hardware elements are the central processing unit, disk or magnetic tape data storage devices, cathode - ray tube display terminals, keyboards, and printers .

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n. tools, machinery, and other durable equipment: tanks and other military hardware.

See the Introduction, Abbreviations and Pronunciation for further details.

Metal products used in construction, such as: bolts, nails, screws (see rough hardware); fittings, such as catches, hinges, locks, etc. (see finish hardware); tools.

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(DOD) 1. The generic term dealing with physical items as distinguished from its capability or function such as equipment, tools, implements, instruments, devices, sets, fittings, trimmings, assemblies, subassemblies, components, and parts. The term is often used in regard to the stage of development, as in the passage of a device or component from the design stage into the hardware stage as the finished object. 2. In data automation, the physical equipment or devices forming a computer and peripheral components.

IN BRIEF: Things made of metal such as machines and their parts.

Never purchase beauty products in a hardware store. — Miss Piggy

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metallic foreign bodies in the reticulum of ruminants, especially in dairy cattle, and the cause of traumatic reticulitis.

• h. disease — traumatic reticuloperitonitis.

n

The mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electric devices or components of a computer.

For a list of words related to hardware, see:

• Building and Machine Parts - hardware: metal fittings and utensils for building construction
• Common Tools and Tool Types - hardware: metalware usu. forming functional or decorative component part
• Hardware and Supplies - hardware: metalware usu. forming functional or decorative component part
• Data Transmission - hardware: electronic systems and devices used in telecommunications
• Hardware and Peripherals - hardware: physical components of system: computer, external memory system, terminal, printer, modem

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See words rhyming with "hardware."

  See crossword solutions for the clue Hardware.

This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)

Dansk (Danish)
n. - isenkram, maskiner, materiel, våben, computerhardware

Nederlands (Dutch)
hardware, apparatuur, ijzerwaren, wapens, identiteitsplaatjes

Français (French)
n. - (Comput) matériel informatique, hardware, (Comm) articles de quincaillerie

Deutsch (German)
n. - Eisenwaren, Haushaltswaren, Schießeisen, Hardware

Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - σιδηρικά, είδη κιγκαλερίας, (Η/Υ) ηλεκτρομηχανολογικό μέρος, χάρντγουερ, στρατιωτικό υλικό, (ιατρ.) χειρουργικός εξοπλισμός

Italiano (Italian)
ferramenta, hardware

Português (Portuguese)
n. - hardware (f) (Comp.)

Русский (Russian)
скобяные изделия

Español (Spanish)
n. - ferretería, hardware

Svenska (Swedish)
n. - järn-, metallvaror, hårdvara (data), vapen, militära utmärkelser, idrottspriser (isht bucklor, kannor e.d.)

中文（简体）(Chinese (Simplified))
硬件, 零件, 五金器具

中文（繁體）(Chinese (Traditional))
n. - 硬體, 零件, 五金器具

한국어 (Korean)
n. - 쇠붙이류, 무기류, 하드웨어, 기재와 설비

日本語 (Japanese)
n. - 金物, 鉄器類, ハードウェア, 武器

العربيه (Arabic)
‏(الاسم) الخردوات الأدوات المعدنيه على اختلافها‏

עברית (Hebrew)
n. - ‮כלי בית וגינה, כלי-מתכת, כלי מלחמה, חומרה (מחשב), ציוד, נשק‬

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