# Technology & Computing

**Type:** Topic
**Words:** 208

## About

Software, hardware, networks, devices, and the digital world.

## Words by Level

### A1
- phone — A device used to talk to people over distances, now often a small portable one that also runs apps.; frequency rank 325
- TV — Television; programmes broadcast to be watched on screen.; frequency rank 762
- camera — A device for taking photographs or recording video.; frequency rank 948
- computer — an electronic machine that stores and processes information and runs programs; frequency rank 1087
- video — A recording of moving pictures and sound that you can watch on a screen.; frequency rank 1267
- page — One side of a sheet of paper in a book, magazine, or newspaper.; frequency rank 1844
- Internet — the worldwide computer network that lets people share information and communicate.; frequency rank 2329
- mouse — A small furry animal with a pointed nose, small ears and a long thin tail.; frequency rank 3337
- cookie — A small, flat, sweet cake (called a biscuit in British English).; frequency rank 4131
- CD — A small round plastic disc used to store music or computer data.; frequency rank 6176
- DVD — A flat round disc used to store films, music, or other digital data.; frequency rank 6749
- mobile phone

### A2
- lock — A device that keeps a door, box, or gate shut and is opened with a key or code.; frequency rank 1257
- code — Instructions written in a programming language that tell a computer what to do.; frequency rank 1400
- program — A radio or television show.; frequency rank 1620
- permission — The act of allowing someone to do something.; frequency rank 1855
- site — a place on the internet where you can read pages and find information; a website; frequency rank 2010
- data — Facts and figures collected for analysis or to draw conclusions.; frequency rank 2029
- trap — A device made to catch animals.; frequency rank 2097
- mail — Letters and parcels sent and delivered through the post.; frequency rank 2156
- technology — Machines, equipment, and methods created from scientific knowledge to solve practical problems.; frequency rank 2332
- button — A small round object on clothing that fastens through a hole.; frequency rank 2424
- screen — The flat surface of a TV, computer, or phone on which images appear.; frequency rank 2514
- online — Connected to the Internet.; frequency rank 2708
- wallet — A small flat case, often made of leather, for carrying money and cards in your pocket.; frequency rank 2903
- script — The written text of a play, film, or broadcast.; frequency rank 3047
- bug — A small insect; frequency rank 3183
- web — The thin net of fine threads that a spider makes to catch insects.; frequency rank 4185
- menu — A list of the food and drinks available at a restaurant.; frequency rank 4297
- speaker — A device that produces sound from a phone, computer, or stereo.; frequency rank 4765
- website — A set of connected pages on the internet, usually owned by one person or organisation and reached from the same web address.; frequency rank 5322
- software — The programs and instructions that tell a computer what to do.; frequency rank 6096
- batch — A group of things or people dealt with at the same time.; frequency rank 8211
- app — A software program, especially a small one you install on a phone or tablet.; frequency rank 8410
- download — To copy data, files, or programs from the internet or another computer onto your own device.; frequency rank 9203
- user — A person who uses a computer, app, website, or service.; frequency rank 10523
- smartphone — A mobile phone that can run apps, browse the internet, and do many of the things a computer can.; frequency rank 31649
- digital camera

### B1
- file — A named collection of data stored on a computer.; frequency rank 1454
- doc — An informal word for a doctor.; frequency rank 1525
- access — The right or chance to use, enter, or reach something.; frequency rank 1748
- device — A piece of equipment made for a particular purpose, especially an electronic or mechanical one.; frequency rank 2546
- network — A large group of people, things, or places that are connected to each other.; frequency rank 2913
- virus — A tiny living agent that causes disease by spreading inside the cells of a living host.; frequency rank 3063
- exit — A door or passage for leaving a place.; frequency rank 3124
- monitor — A screen that shows information from a computer.; frequency rank 3464
- connect — To join two or more things together.; frequency rank 3818
- scan — To look through something quickly to find a particular piece of information.; frequency rank 4537
- electronic — Made or operated using electronic devices, especially those with computer chips or circuits.; frequency rank 4538
- document — An official or formal piece of writing that gives information or proof.; frequency rank 4567
- application — A formal written or spoken request for a job, a place, or assistance.; frequency rank 4727
- storage — The act of keeping things somewhere until they are needed.; frequency rank 4792
- wizard — A person, usually a man, who has magical powers, especially in stories.; frequency rank 5187
- password — A secret series of characters you type to log in to a computer, account, or system.; frequency rank 5376
- digital — Relating to computers, the internet, and electronic technology.; frequency rank 6279
- undo — To cancel or reverse something that has been done.; frequency rank 7915
- delete — To remove or erase something, especially text or data on a computer.; frequency rank 8160
- server — A computer or program that provides services, files, or data to other computers in a network.; frequency rank 8429
- keyboard — The set of keys you press to type on a computer or typewriter.; frequency rank 8839
- disk — A flat, thin, round object or shape.; frequency rank 9140
- filter — A device that removes unwanted things from a liquid, gas, or other substance passing through it.; frequency rank 9377
- virtual — Existing or done on a computer or online rather than in the physical world.; frequency rank 9678
- install — To put a piece of equipment somewhere and prepare it so it is ready to use.; frequency rank 10199
- attach — To fasten or join one thing to another.; frequency rank 10490
- unpack — To take things out of a bag, box, or suitcase; frequency rank 12010
- import — To bring goods or products in from another country, usually to sell them.; frequency rank 12513
- upload — To send files or data from your device to a computer or website over the internet.; frequency rank 13835
- export — To sell and send goods to another country.; frequency rank 13955
- enable — To make it possible for someone to do something; frequency rank 13978
- technological — Relating to technology, especially modern science and machines.; frequency rank 14527
- charger — a device that supplies electrical power to recharge a battery; frequency rank 14913
- viewer — A person who watches something, especially television.; frequency rank 16712
- format — The way something is arranged, designed, or presented.; frequency rank 19067
- minimize — To make something as small as possible.; frequency rank 19108
- webcam — A small camera connected to a computer that sends live video over the internet.; frequency rank 27442
- copier — a machine that makes paper copies of documents or images; frequency rank 28168
- modem — A device that connects a computer to the internet through a telephone or cable line.; frequency rank 29293
- dialog — A conversation between two or more people.; frequency rank 29829
- telecommunications — The sending of information such as voice, text, and images over long distances by phone, radio, or the internet.; frequency rank 36643
- CD-ROM — A CD that holds computer data which can be read but not changed.; frequency rank 67136

### B2
- wipe — To clean or dry a surface by rubbing it with a cloth, hand, or similar.; frequency rank 3033
- technically — According to the exact facts or rules, even if this seems surprising.; frequency rank 3528
- serial — Arranged in or forming a series; happening one after another.; frequency rank 3752
- execution — The act of carrying out a plan, order, or task.; frequency rank 5011
- worm — A long, thin, soft creature with no legs that lives in soil.; frequency rank 5511
- messenger — A person who carries a message or delivers something from one place to another.; frequency rank 5584
- database — A large set of organized information stored in a computer so it can be searched easily.; frequency rank 6220
- corruption — Dishonest behaviour by people in power, such as taking bribes.; frequency rank 6434
- virtually — Almost completely; nearly.; frequency rank 7433
- hardware — The physical parts of a computer, such as the screen, keyboard, and circuits.; frequency rank 7578
- retrieve — To get something back or bring it back from where it is.; frequency rank 7844
- packet — A small pack or bag containing something.; frequency rank 9023
- detector — a device that senses and registers a substance, signal, or physical phenomenon; frequency rank 9242
- alias — another name used by a person, file, command, or concept; frequency rank 9940
- input — Information or advice you contribute to something.; frequency rank 10282
- navigation — The skill of planning and following a route for a ship, aircraft, or vehicle.; frequency rank 12051
- projector — a device that projects an enlarged image or beam of light onto a surface; frequency rank 12367
- interpreter — a person who translates spoken words from one language into another.; frequency rank 12462
- output — The amount of something produced by a person, machine, or factory.; frequency rank 12543
- forum — A place, meeting, or website where people exchange ideas and opinions.; frequency rank 12729
- icon — A small picture on a screen that you click to open a program or file.; frequency rank 12768
- hub — the central part of a wheel through which the axle passes; frequency rank 13542
- miner — A person who works in a mine, digging out coal, metal, or minerals.; frequency rank 13882
- projection — A prediction or estimate based on current information.; frequency rank 14001
- infect — To pass a disease to a person, animal, or thing.; frequency rank 15732
- compression — the act of pressing or squeezing something into a smaller space; frequency rank 19273
- compress — to press or squeeze something into a smaller space; frequency rank 24100
- circuitry — The system of electrical circuits inside a device, considered as a whole.; frequency rank 25958
- caption — A short piece of text printed under a picture to explain it.; frequency rank 26082
- electronically — Using computers, the internet, or other electronic equipment.; frequency rank 27874
- compile — To collect information from different places and put it together, for example into a list or report.; frequency rank 30702
- desktop — A computer that sits on a desk, rather than one you carry around.; frequency rank 30709
- browser — A computer program used to find and look at pages on the internet; frequency rank 32415
- cyberspace — The Internet and the online world as a whole.; frequency rank 35317
- spreadsheet — A computer program that organizes data in a grid of rows and columns for calculation and analysis.; frequency rank 37742
- cursor — A small moving mark or arrow on a computer screen that shows where you are typing or pointing.; frequency rank 52475
- antivirus — Software used to find, block, and remove computer viruses.; frequency rank 53604
- selector — a control or device used to choose one of several settings or inputs; frequency rank 57273
- overwrite — to replace existing data by writing new data over it; frequency rank 85813
- cybercrime — Crime that is committed using computers and the Internet, such as stealing data or money.; frequency rank 116637
- unlink — to remove or break a connection between linked people, accounts, objects, or pieces of information; frequency rank 131658
- cyberpet — A virtual pet that you look after through a computer program or device.

### C1
- coverage — The way an event or topic is reported in newspapers, on TV, or online.; frequency rank 8062
- processing — The act of dealing with something through a set series of steps.; frequency rank 8437
- gadget — A small, often clever device or tool that does a particular job.; frequency rank 9776
- domain — An area of activity, knowledge, or responsibility.; frequency rank 11105
- deploy — To move troops or equipment into position ready for action.; frequency rank 11876
- administrator — A person who manages or runs an organization, business, or government office.; frequency rank 12670
- utility — A basic public service such as electricity, gas, or water supplied to homes and businesses.; frequency rank 14858
- interface — The part of a computer system or program that a person uses to control it.; frequency rank 14872
- directory — A book or list of names, addresses, and other details, usually in alphabetical order.; frequency rank 17637
- firewall — A security system that controls the traffic coming into and out of a computer network; frequency rank 19379
- processor — The part of a computer that performs most of the calculations and runs programs.; frequency rank 21044
- spec — informal: a detailed specification describing required features, dimensions, or performance; frequency rank 21376
- configuration — The way the parts of something are arranged or put together.; frequency rank 23473
- maximize — To make something as large or as great as possible.; frequency rank 25986
- query — A question, especially one asking for information or expressing a doubt.; frequency rank 27106
- allocate — To give out or set aside money, time, or resources for a particular purpose.; frequency rank 42238
- repeater — an electronic device that receives a signal and retransmits it, often after amplifying it; frequency rank 50016
- latency — delay between a request, signal, or action and the response to it; frequency rank 83467
- subclass — a class derived from another class in object-oriented programming; frequency rank 207136
- digitalize — To convert information or processes into a digital form for use on computers.; frequency rank 240849
- digitalization — The process of converting information or processes into digital form.; frequency rank 366052
- programmatically — by means of computer code rather than manual action; frequency rank 1099864

### C2
- stereo — a sound system that records or reproduces audio through two or more separate channels; frequency rank 8318
- sentinel — a guard or watchman posted to keep lookout; frequency rank 19910
- res — informal: resolution or image detail, especially in high-res and low-res; frequency rank 26859
- emulate — To copy or imitate someone, especially because you admire them.; frequency rank 28445
- dogma — a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative; frequency rank 29811
- parameter — A factor or limit that defines or sets the boundaries of something.; frequency rank 30730
- kodak — a camera, especially a small hand camera (historical generic use of the trademark); frequency rank 33317
- biometric — using measurable physical or behavioral characteristics to identify a person; frequency rank 36055
- electrode — A conductor through which electric current enters or leaves a device, liquid, or circuit.; frequency rank 41064
- macro — a saved instruction or abbreviation that expands into a longer sequence of computer commands; frequency rank 41119
- bloat — unnecessary size, complexity, or excess, especially in software or organizations; frequency rank 42541
- daemon — a computer program or process that runs in the background and performs a service without direct user control; frequency rank 44273
- facsimile — An exact copy or reproduction of something.; frequency rank 44352
- monolith — a large single block of stone, especially one used as a monument; frequency rank 44413
- lurker — a person who reads or observes an online community without posting or participating; frequency rank 63867
- stylus — a pen-shaped device used to write, draw, or select items on a touchscreen or graphics tablet; frequency rank 73714
- mixin — a reusable unit of behavior or methods that can be included in a class without ordinary single inheritance; frequency rank 102682
- exfiltrate — to covertly remove data from a computer system or network; frequency rank 111770
- hypertext — digital text containing links that let a reader move non-sequentially between related passages or documents; frequency rank 149827
- corrugator — A machine that corrugates material.; frequency rank 339805
- accessor — a method or function that reads a value, usually without changing the underlying data; frequency rank 462868
- namespace — a named scope that groups identifiers so they do not conflict with identical names elsewhere; frequency rank 1192247
- crufty — poorly designed or inelegant, often referring to software or code
- multiplexer — an electronic device that selects one of several input signals to send to a single output
- quine — a self-replicating program or statement that outputs its own source code
- reticulate — forming or resembling a network; having a net-like structure
- microservice — a small independently deployed software service that communicates with other services as part of a larger system
- visiplate — in science fiction, an electronic screen capable of displaying images or data
- glitch — a small or temporary fault that prevents something from working as intended

### C2+
- searchlight — To scan or sweep across like a searchlight.; frequency rank 46175
- detectaphone — a sensitive microphone able to record conversations covertly even through a wall.; frequency rank 1012784
- cipher — a secret code; a zero; a nonentity; to encode or do arithmetic
- clasp — to grasp or hold tightly; a fastening device
- contrivance — a cleverly made device or scheme; an artificial or strained arrangement
- jack — a device for raising heavy objects; also, to raise or boost
- maze — a network of confusing paths; to bewilder
- blower — a device that produces a current of air; (British slang) a telephone
- emulator — hardware or software that imitates another system, or one who emulates
- executable — able to be carried out or run, especially a computer program file
- lookup — the act of searching for information in a reference or database
- algorithm — a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or computation
- bot — a software program that runs automated tasks; also a botfly larva
- coder — a person who writes computer programs or converts data into code
- codify — to arrange laws or rules into a systematic code
- committer — one who commits something, such as code changes or an act
- compiler — one who compiles; a program that translates source code into machine code
- decidable — able to be decided; in logic, solvable by an algorithm
- digitally — by means of digital technology; or with the fingers
- digitize — to convert information into digital form
- fastener — a device that holds or joins things together
- flasher — a device or thing that flashes, such as a blinking light
- gripper — a device or part that grips or holds firmly
- igniter — a device that sets fire to or starts the combustion of something
- ignitor — a device that ignites a fuel or charge; variant of igniter
- meshwork — a network of interlaced threads, fibers, or strands
- recursive — characterized by repeated application of a rule, defined in terms of itself
- scanner — a device that examines or digitizes images, codes, or signals
- shim — a thin wedge or strip used to fill a gap or level something
- skimmer — a utensil or device for removing matter from a liquid surface
- theoretic — concerned with theory rather than practical application
- transformer — a device for changing the voltage of an alternating current
- exfiltration — the secret, covert removal of someone from a dangerous or hostile place
- splice — to join two pieces of rope, film, or other material by intertwining or overlapping the strands or ends
- subetherics — in science fiction, devices or systems that communicate through a subether medium, usually faster than light