a type of compact disk developed to store and play back music.
British Dictionary definitions for compact disc
compact disc
/ˈkɒmpækt/
noun
1.
a small digital audio disc on which sound is recorded as a series of metallic pits enclosed in PVC; the disc is spun by the compact disc player and read by an optical laser system Also called compact audio disc Abbreviation CD, CAD
compact disc 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.
compact disc in Technology
storage (CD) (Not "disk", this spelling is part of the standard). A 4.72 inch disc developed by Sony and Philips that can store, on the same disc, still and/or moving images in monochrome and/or color; stereo or two separate sound tracks integrated with and/or separate from the images; and digital program and information files. The same fabrication process is used to make both audio CDs and CD-ROMs for storing computer data, the only difference is in the device used to read the CD (the player or drive). CD Information Center (https://cd-info.com/cd-info/CDInfoCenter.html). (1999-06-23)