Compute Definition & Meaning

American

British

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Examples

Related Words

Synonyms compute American [kuhm-pyoot] / kəmˈpyut /

verb (used with object)

computed, computing

1. to determine by calculation; reckon; calculate.

   These early astronomers computed the period of Jupiter's revolution.

   Synonyms: figure, count, estimate

2. to determine by using a computer or calculator.

verb (used without object)

computed, computing

1. to reckon; calculate.

2. to use a computer or calculator.

3. Informal. to make sense; add up.

   His reasons for doing that just don't compute.

noun

1. computation.

   Outer space is vast beyond compute.

2. the processing, memory, and storage resources required for a computer, network, or program to function.

   To meet today's business demands, you need a solid foundation of compute.

adjective

1. relating to or comprising the processing, memory, and storage resources required for a computer or program to function.

   The system uses intelligent load balancing so as to maximally utilize the available compute power.

compute British / kəmˈpjuːt /

verb

1. to calculate (an answer, result, etc), often with the aid of a computer

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

1. calculation; computation (esp in the phrase beyond compute )

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

• computability noun
• computable adjective
• computably adverb
• computist noun
• miscompute verb
• precompute verb
• recompute verb (used with object)
• uncomputable adjective
• uncomputableness noun
• uncomputably adverb
• uncomputed adjective

Etymology

Origin of compute

First recorded in 1375–1425, for an earlier sense; 1580–90 compute for def. 6; (for the verb) from Latin computāre, from com- com- + putāre “to think”; (for the noun) late Middle English from Middle French from Late Latin computus “calculation, number,” noun derivative of computāre; count 1, putative

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Management pointed to softer sales of appliances and home theater-related products, partially offset by higher demand for computing and mobile phones.

From Barron's

Best Buy raised its quarterly dividend by 1% to 96 cents a share and saw strength in computing, mobile phones, and new categories.

From The Wall Street Journal

Quantum computing was thrust into the spotlight last year as investors started to see evidence that the technology was moving from speculation to reality.

From Barron's

“We’ve been working on our core technologies for 15 years. We predicted that there would come a point in the 2020s or 2030s where copper connectivity would become a limiter on computing productivity.”

From The Wall Street Journal

China understands that architectural innovation drives capability faster than raw compute.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• figure out
• gauge

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.