computing | Search Online Etymology Dictionary

in computing, "integrated circuit," 1975, from micro- + chip (n.1) in the computing sense.

"arrange into a format," 1964, in reference to electronic computing, from format (n.). Related: Formatted; formatting.

"length of time taken in a particular task," 1974, originally in computing; see run (v.) + time (n.). In computing, run (n.) "instance of execution of a program" is by 1946.

macro (n.)

1959 in computing sense, shortened from macroinstruction.

access (v.)

1962, originally in computing, from access (n.). Related: Accessed; accessing.

input (n.)

1753, "a sum (of cash) put in, a sharing, contribution," from verbal phrase; see in (adv.) + put (v.). Meaning "energy supplied to a device or machine" is from 1902, later of electronic devices; computing sense of "data fed into a machine" is from 1948, though this is perhaps from the verb in the computing sense.

interrupt (n.)

"action of interrupting," 1956, originally in computing in reference to programs, from interrupt (v.).

backup (n.)

"a standby, a reserve," 1952; see back up (v.). Specific reference to computing is from 1965.

sequence (v.)

"arrange in a sequence," 1954, in computing, from sequence (n.). In biochemistry by 1970. Related: Sequenced; sequencing.

shareware (n.)

in computing, "software distributed free on a trial basis in hopes of selling it," by 1982, from share (v.) + ware (n.).

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