hardware

[hahrd-wair] /ˈhɑrdˌwɛər/
noun
1.
metalware, as tools, locks, hinges, or cutlery.
2.
the mechanical equipment necessary for conducting an activity, usually distinguished from the theory and design that make the activity possible.
3.
military weapons and combat equipment.
4.
Slang. a weapon carried on one's person:
The rougher types were asked to check their hardware at the door.
5.
Computers. the mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical devices comprising a computer system, as the CPU, disk drives, keyboard, or screen.
Compare software.
Origin
1505-15; 1955-60 for def 5; hard + ware1
Examples from the web for hardware
  • The concept of open source hardware has interested me for some time.
  • Nilsson loves exploring old neighborhood hardware stores.
  • The design of that hardware is terrible.
  • Pictures can be worth more than a thousand words when the subject is something as arcane as computer hardware.
  • Years ago, it was virtually impossible to upgrade a laptop's hardware.
  • And finally, you might be a geek like me who likes to see what's possible with new hardware and software tools.
  • Hacking hardware is nothing new.
  • Cookware and hardware stores are selling many new models this year.
  • He called a salesman in the hardware section by name, and they discussed wrenches.
  • Booting your hardware is stressfull.
British Dictionary definitions for hardware

hardware

/ˈhɑːdˌwɛə/
noun
1.
metal tools, implements, etc, esp cutlery or cooking utensils
2.
(computing) the physical equipment used in a computer system, such as the central processing unit, peripheral devices, and memory Compare software
3.
mechanical equipment, components, etc
4.
heavy military equipment, such as tanks and missiles or their parts
5.
(informal) a gun or guns collectively
Word Origin and History for hardware
n.

mid-15c., "small metal goods," from hard + ware (n.). In the sense of "physical components of a computer" it dates from 1947. Hardware store attested by 1789.

hardware in Science
hardware
  (härd'wâr')   
A computer, its components, and its related equipment. Hardware includes disk drives, integrated circuits, display screens, cables, modems, speakers, and printers. Compare software.
hardware in Culture

hardware definition


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.

Slang definitions & phrases for hardware

hardware

noun
  1. Weapons and other war mate´riel: military ''hardware,'' tanks, planes, guns, rockets, weapons (1865+)
  2. Military insignia or medals worn on a uniform (WWII armed forces)
  3. Badges and other identification jewelry (1930s+)
  4. hard drug, hard liquor

hardware in Technology

hardware
The physical, touchable, material parts of a computer or other system. The term is used to distinguish these fixed parts of a system from the more changable software or data components which it executes, stores, or carries.
Computer hardware typically consists chiefly of electronic devices (CPU, memory, display) with some electromechanical parts (keyboard, printer, disk drives, tape drives, loudspeakers) for input, output, and storage, though completely non-electronic (mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, biological) computers have also been conceived of and built.
See also firmware, wetware.
(1997-01-23)