compute
kuhm-PYOOT
Compute (verb) means to calculate a numerical value or result. Example: “The software computes the total tax owed automatically.”
verb
1
To calculate a numerical value or result.
"The software computes the total tax owed automatically."
noun
1
(informal, technology) Computational processing power or resources.
"The startup needed more compute to train its model."
"The GPU does not have enough on-chip SRAM memory for the parameters, and doesn't have enough compute for the entire model."
"Compute, in many cases, is decoupled from the storage, making it easy to charge and pay for only what is consumed. It also becomes easy to scale up the compute when needed depending on the type of service."
— Prashila Naik, Hands-on Cloud Analytics with Microsoft Azure Stack (2020)
How to use compute
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo work out a value by calculation, or (informally) processing power itself.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
compute a result
cloud compute
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- computes
- Past tense
- computed
Fill the gap
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The software _____ the total tax owed automatically.
Etymology
Borrowed from French computer, from Latin computare, "to calculate." A doublet of "count."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for compute
See all rhymes for compute →Frequently asked questions
What does “compute” mean?
The word “compute” means to calculate a numerical value or result. In plain terms, to work out a value by calculation, or (informally) processing power itself.
How do you pronounce “compute”?
“Compute” is pronounced kuhm-PYOOT (/kəmˈpjut/ in IPA).
How do you use “compute” in a sentence?
Here is “compute” used in a sentence: “The software computes the total tax owed automatically.”
What part of speech is “compute”?
Depending on how it is used, “compute” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “compute” come from?
The word “compute” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French computer, from Latin computare, "to calculate." A doublet of "count.".
Is “compute” a common word?
“Compute” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “compute” have?
“Compute” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to calculate a numerical value or result.
