microcomputer
nounEtymology From micro- + computer. First use appears c. 1956. See cite below.
1
Computer hardware, Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences Historical A computer designed around a microprocessor, smaller than a minicomputer or a mainframe.
- In recent years, it had become the hallmark of the scientist, much as the stethoscope was that of the physician and the microcomputer that of the statistician.1956 July 7, Isaac Asimov, Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, volume 11, New York: Fantasy House, page 9:
- The operation has installed nine Cygnet CoSystems, computerphones that send memos, letters, and even whole files from one microcomputer to another.1985, Micro Communications:
1 more example
- In time of course, things became more efficient, with newer machines which could cope with large amounts of data - the microcomputers had 64 kilobytes of memory; your mobile phone has vastly more capacity.2021, Pat Manser, More Than Words: The Making of the Macquarie Dictionary, Sydney: Macquarie Dictionary, page 83:
2
Computer hardware, Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences Dated, Uncommon A microprocessor that is based on a single chip.
- Synonyms
- micro, PC, personal computer
- Derived terms
- Microsoft, supermicrocomputer