personal computer

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

personal computer
    n 1: a small digital computer based on a microprocessor and
         designed to be used by one person at a time [syn: {personal
         computer}, {PC}, {microcomputer}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

personal computer \personal computer\ n.
   1. (Computers) A computer[2] designed for use by one person
      at a time; -- contrasted with shared-time computers such
      as a {mainframe}, {server} or {minicomputer}, which may be
      accessed by multiple users each operating from a different
      input device (in the 1990's, usually a terminal or
      personal computer). A {personal computer} typically uses a
      microprocessor for its CPU.

   Syn: PC, microcomputer.
        [WordNet 1.5 +PJC]

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

personal computer

   <computer> (PC) A general-purpose single-user {microcomputer}
   designed to be operated by one person at a time.

   This term and the concept has been successfully hijacked by
   {IBM} due to the huge market share of the {IBM PC}, despite
   its many obvious weaknesses when compared to other equally
   valid claimants to the term, e.g. the {Acorn} {Archimedes},
   {Amiga}, {Atari}, {Macintosh}.

   (1994-11-02)