computing

computing
    n 1: the branch of engineering science that studies (with the
         aid of computers) computable processes and structures [syn:
         {computer science}, {computing}]
    2: the procedure of calculating; determining something by
       mathematical or logical methods [syn: {calculation},
       {computation}, {computing}]
    

Compute \Com*pute"\ (k[o^]m*p[=u]t"), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   {Computed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Computing}.] [L. computare. See
   {Count}, v. t.]
   To determine by calculation; to reckon; to count.
   [1913 Webster]

         Two days, as we compute the days of heaven. --Milton.
   [1913 Webster]

         What's done we partly may compute,
         But know not what's resisted.            --Burns.

   Syn: To calculate; number; count; reckon; estimate;
        enumerate; rate. See {Calculate}.
        [1913 Webster]
    

computer
computing

   <computer> A machine that can be programmed to manipulate
   symbols.  Computers can perform complex and repetitive
   procedures quickly, precisely and reliably and can quickly
   store and retrieve large amounts of data.

   The physical components from which a computer is constructed
   (electronic circuits and input/output devices) are known as
   "{hardware}".  Most computers have four types of hardware
   component: CPU, input, output and memory.  The CPU ({central
   processing unit}) executes programs ("{software}") which tell
   the computer what to do.  Input and output (I/O) devices allow
   the computer to communicate with the user and the outside
   world.  There are several kinds of memory - fast, expensive,
   short term memory (e.g. {RAM}) to hold intermediate results,
   and slower, cheaper, long-term memory (e.g. {magnetic disk} and
   {magnetic tape}) to hold programs and data between jobs.

   See also {analogue computer}.

   (1995-03-10)
    

23 Moby Thesaurus words for "computing":
      EDP, analyzing, calculating, classifying, collating, computational,
      computative, computer technology, computer typesetting,
      data processing, data retrieval, electronic data processing,
      enumerative, estimating, estimative, high-speed data handling,
      machine computation, numerative, quantifying, reporting, scanning,
      sorting, statistical