'Hardware' definitions:
Definition of 'hardware'
(from WordNet)
noun
Major items of military weaponry (as tanks or missile)
noun
Instrumentalities (tools or implements) made of metal [syn: hardware, ironware]
noun
(computer science) the mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical components making up a computer system [syn: hardware, computer hardware] [ant: computer software, package, software, software package, software program, software system]
Definition of 'Hardware'
From: GCIDE
- Hardware \Hard"ware`\ (h[aum]rd"w[^a]r`), n.
- 1. Ware made of metal, as cutlery, kitchen utensils, and the like; ironmongery. [1913 Webster]
- 2. Any of the physical objects used in carrying out an activity, in contrast to the knowledge, skill, or theory required to perform the activity; mostly used collectively. [PJC]
- 3. Specifically: (Computers) The sum of all the physical objects, such as the electrical, mechanical, and electronic devices which comprise a computer system; as, the typical PC hardware suite consists of a mainboard and a number of peripherals such as hard drives and speakers, connected by adapter cards, but the input and output from users occurs mostly through the keyboard and monitor; contrasted with software, the programs executed by the computer. [PJC]
- 4. Specifically: (Military) The weapons, transport, and other physical objects used in conducting a war. [PJC]
- 5. (Slang) Weapons, especially handguns, carried on the person; as, check your hardware at the door before entering. [PJC]
Synonyms of 'hardware'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- appliances,
- armaments,
- arms,
- brassware,
- chinaware,
- clayware,
- components,
- computer,
- computer hardware,
- computer unit,
- copperware,
- devices,
- dinnerware,
- durable goods,
- durables,
- earthenware,
- electronic brain,
- electronic computer,
- enamelware,
- fixtures,
- flatware,
- glassware,
- graniteware,
- hard goods,
- hollow ware,
- housefurnishings,
- housewares,
- information machine,
- ironmongery,
- ironware,
- kitchenware,
- machinery,
- materiel,
- metalware,
- munitions,
- ovenware,
- silverware,
- sporting goods,
- stoneware,
- tableware,
- thinking machine,
- tinware,
- tools,
- tools and machinery,
- white goods,
- woodenware