Computer Science

An integer is a whole number that can be positive, negative, or zero. In mathematics, integers exclude fractions and decimals, forming a complete, countable set. They are used in counting, ordering, and representing quantities that do not require fractional parts. The term also appears in computing to indicate whole-number values.

Integration is the process of combining parts to form a whole, or the act of incorporating something into a larger system. In everyday use, it can refer to mathematical integration, social or organizational blending, or the inclusion of diverse elements into a cohesive whole. The term emphasizes harmony, coordination, and functional unity across disciplines or contexts.

Interpreter is a person who translates spoken language in real time. It can also refer to a software program that translates instructions in a computing context. The term emphasizes live translation, often in conferences or meetings, requiring rapid, accurate rendering of meaning while preserving nuance and speaker intent.

Java is a two- or three-syllable proper noun primarily used to refer to the programming language and the Indonesian island. In everyday speech it’s commonly pronounced with a stressed first syllable, and in some contexts it's shortened or altered in casual talk. The term also denotes a geographic region, culture, or brand name in various tech and coffee-related contexts.

Kernel is a noun meaning the central or essential part of something, such as the core idea or the edible seed inside a fruit or nut. It denotes the pivotal, smallest unit that determines the nature or function of a larger system, often requiring extraction or revelation. In computing, it refers to the core part of an operating system that manages resources and hardware.

Lambda (noun) refers to the 11th letter of the Greek alphabet and, in mathematics and computer science, a symbol used to denote anonymous functions or parameters. It also appears in physics and engineering contexts. In common usage, it often denotes a variable or a constant depending on the field, and it can refer to the Greek letter itself in typography or discussion of Greek alphabets.

Latency refers to the delay between a cause and its effect, or the time lag before a system responds. It is commonly used in computing and telecommunications to describe the time required for data to travel from source to destination. In neuroscience, latency denotes the interval between a stimulus and the corresponding reaction. High latency implies slower performance or response times.

Lifetime is the span of time from birth to death, or the duration of an object or event’s existence. In everyday use it often signals a long period or the amount of time someone has lived or will live. The term can describe both personal timelines and generalized durations, and it commonly appears in phrases like “lifetime achievement” or “lifetime warranty.”

Malware is software designed to harm, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computers and networks. It encompasses malicious programs such as viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware. The term blends 'malicious' with 'software,' signaling its harmful function in digital environments.

Memory (noun) refers to the faculty by which information is encoded, stored, and retrieved, or the stored content itself. It encompasses both short-term and long-term retention, as well as the mental processes and nodes involved in recalling past experiences, facts, and skills. In everyday use, memory can mean a personal recollection or a generalized record of events and knowledge.

Method refers to a systematic or established procedure for accomplishing a task, often organized into a formal, repeatable sequence. It can describe a process used in science, education, or daily routines, aimed at achieving consistent results. The term emphasizes structure, steps, and protocol over improvisation.

Module is a self-contained unit or segment, often within a larger system or course, that has a specific function or topic. It can also refer to a detachable component of a machine. In academic contexts, modules are modular units of study that can be combined to form a curriculum.

Parallel describes two or more lines, paths, or ideas that run alongside each other without intersecting. It also denotes a similarity or analogy between things. Used in both mathematical and everyday contexts, the term conveys alignment or equivalence in structure, tendency, or outcomes.

Privacy is the state of being free from public attention or intrusion, or the right to control access to one’s personal information. It encompasses both personal autonomy and concealment in social, online, and institutional contexts. In everyday use, it signals a protected boundary between an individual and unwanted observation or data collection.

Process (noun) refers to a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end. It can denote a precise method, procedure, or a natural sequence of events. In organizational contexts it often means a systematic set of activities that transform inputs into outputs, typically with defined stages and metrics.

Protocol is a formal rule or procedure that guides actions or communications, often in technical, diplomatic, or organizational contexts. It can also refer to a documented sequence of steps in computing or networking. The term emphasizes prescribed formalities and orderly conduct, ensuring consistency and safety in practice.

Python (noun) refers to a high-level programming language known for its readability and wide range of applications, from scripting to data science and web development. It also denotes a large non-venomous snake found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. In tech contexts, Python implies a language with clear syntax and extensive libraries, while in zoological contexts it denotes the constricting serpent species.

Redundancy is the state of being more than necessary, superfluous, or repetitive. In computing or language, it refers to extra, unnecessary elements that do not add new information. The term often implies inefficiency or waste, but in some contexts it provides fault tolerance or backups. It can also describe a financial cushion or a structural overlap in systems.

Register (noun) refers to a formal or informal level of speech, or a specific range or category within a system (e.g., a device’s data register). It also means a written record or catalog. In everyday use, it denotes the particular language style appropriate to a social context or audience. Overall, it captures tonal level, documentation, or a designated position within a structured set.

Repository (n.) a place or container where data, files, or artifacts are stored and managed. In computing, it denotes a central storage location for software or code; in libraries or archives, a repository is an organized collection of documents. It implies orderly preservation, access, and versioned maintenance of contents for retrieval and reuse.

Security refers to measures taken to guard against danger, theft, or unauthorized access, as well as the state of being protected. It also denotes a formal asset or investment used to generate income. In everyday use, it can describe safety protocols, information protection, or the condition of being secure.

Semaphore is a noun referring to a signaling device that communicates information by visual signals, typically via flags, arms, or lights. It also denotes the system or method of signaling itself. The term embodies a structured, rule-based code used to convey messages over distances, historically in maritime and military contexts, and more broadly as a metaphor for signaling protocols.

Spam is a noun referring to unsolicited or irrelevant messages, especially advertising emails or messages sent in bulk. It can also mean meat canned in gelatin, popularly known as canned luncheon meat. In contemporary usage, it often denotes digital junk mail or any repetitive, unwanted content. The term carries a slightly humorous or pejorative connotation when addressing bulk messaging.

Stack (noun) refers to a neat pile or heap of objects, or a set of items arranged one atop another. It can also mean a column of data or a stack of programming elements. In computing, it denotes a region of memory where data is stacked. The term is widely used across everyday language and technical jargon alike, often implying orderly accumulation or a heap ready for processing.