compact disk

noun
1.
an optical disk approximately 4.75 inches (12 cm) in diameter, on which a program, data, music, etc., is digitally encoded for a laser beam to scan, decode, and transmit to a playback system, computer monitor, or television set.
Abbreviation: CD.
Compare optical disk (def 1).
Examples from the web for compact disk
  • For several years, computer designers have sought to develop technology that could harness the compact disk for storing data.
  • No compact disk system currently allows consumers to record music.
  • First came the book, then the show, and now the major-label compact disk.
  • It is available in printed and compact disk versions.
  • After your request has been processed you will receive a compact disk which contains the original courtroom matter.
  • compact disk and paper format will no longer be available.
  • The same standards that apply to copyright restrictions on printed materials also apply to materials recorded on compact disk.
  • There will be no printed or compact disk copies distributed to contractors.
compact disk in Science
compact disk or compact disc
  (kŏm'pākt')   
A small optical disk on which data such as music, text, or graphic images is digitally encoded.