firmware
4 synonyms for firmware, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Software stored permanently inside a piece of hardware that controls how that device behaves at the most basic level, from a router or camera to a printer or a hard drive.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use firmware
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
firmware update
firmware version
flash the firmware
custom firmware
stock firmware
Standard technical noun. Uncountable: say a firmware update, not a firmware.
Etymology
A blend of firm and software, coined on the model of hardware and software to name code that sits between the two.
Full origin of firmware →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between firmware and software?
Ordinary software is installed on top of an operating system and can be added or removed freely. Firmware is written into the device itself and makes the hardware work at all, so it is replaced only through a deliberate update process. A phone app is software; the code that makes your washing machine's controls respond is firmware.
Is BIOS firmware?
Yes. The BIOS, and its modern successor UEFI, is the firmware of a computer's motherboard. Firmware is the broader category, covering the code inside drives, keyboards, cameras and countless other devices.
Why do devices get firmware updates?
Manufacturers issue them to fix faults, close security holes, support new accessories or occasionally add features. Because firmware runs the device itself, an interrupted update can leave hardware unusable, which is why the process warns against cutting the power.
