Computer Science

Parity refers to equality or equivalence between two or more things, especially in status, value, or conditions. It denotes balance or sameness in measurable aspects, such as parity of pay, parity in pricing, or logical parity in computational contexts. The term is often used in technical, economic, or policy discussions to signal fairness or equivalence. (2-4 sentences, ~60 words)

Phishing is a cybercrime technique that tricks people into revealing sensitive information by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in electronic communications. It typically involves deceptive emails, texts, or websites designed to look legitimate. The term combines 'fake' or 'fishing' ideas, aiming to lure victims into divulging passwords, credit card numbers, or other private data.

Plaintext refers to unformatted data that contains only characters and symbols, not formatting or styling. In computing, it is data that can be read directly by humans and machines without special processing. The term contrasts with formatted or encoded text and is often used in contexts like data exchange, programming, and documentation.

Pointer refers to a person or thing that points or indicates, or a computer-related variable used to store a memory address. In everyday use, it denotes a directing aid or an indicator, and in programming, it represents a value that stores a memory location. The term often implies guidance, direction, or a reference marker within a system or interface.

Polymorphism refers to the presence of multiple distinct forms or states within a population, object, or system. In biology, it denotes genetic variation within a species; in computing, it describes a type of data structure or programming concept allowing entities to take on multiple forms. The term emphasizes diversity and variation rather than uniformity.

Profiling refers to the act of creating a detailed description or categorization of someone or something, often based on observed traits, behavior, or data. In broader use, it can mean the systematic listing of characteristics to identify patterns or risks, such as security profiling or demographic profiling. The term implies analysis and segmentation rather than mere observation, typically involving data-driven conclusions.

Queue is a noun and verb referring to a line or sequence of people or things, or the act of forming such a line. In speech, the word is pronounced with a single syllable and often behaves like a simple lexical item despite its longer spelling. Its meaning is context-dependent, ranging from waiting in line to to form or arrange something in sequence.

Randomness refers to the quality or state of lacking pattern or predictability. It denotes outcomes that do not follow a discernible rule or bias, often used in statistics and philosophy to describe events that appear haphazard. In everyday use, it suggests spontaneity or surprising irregularity. The concept contrasts with determinism and introduces randomness as a source of variability.

Recursion refers to a process in which a function, idea, or problem refers to itself, often within a smaller instance of the same task. It is a common concept in mathematics, computer science, and linguistics, enabling solutions via repeated self-application until reaching a base case. The term also describes self-referential patterns in language and art.

Rollback refers to the act of reversing a policy, system, or process to a previous state. It can also denote the restoration of software or hardware to an earlier version. The term often implies a cautious, partial retreat rather than a complete reversal, and is used in IT, governance, and operations contexts. nasal and syllabic flow in pronunciation reflects its compound structure.

Router refers to a device that forwards data packets between computer networks, or to a woodworking tool that hollows out material. In computing, it often serves as the network gateway, directing traffic and enabling connectivity. As a word, it is typically stressed on the first syllable and pronounced with a short “ow” or “oo” vowel depending on the accent, and with a clear “t” or “tr” onset in related forms.

Ruby is a short, monosyllabic word that can function as a noun (the gemstone) or as a proper name. In everyday speech, it typically appears with a short, clipped vowel and a light, final “ee” sound, often producing a two-syllable rhythm in careful speech (ˈruː.bi) in some accents. The core idea centers on the red gemstone and, by extension, a color reference or name.

Runtime is the period during which a program or process executes, or the duration of something’s operation. In computing, it denotes the lifespan of a program from start to finish, including dynamic runtime environments and behaviors. The term can also describe the actual time taken by a task to run in practical, observed conditions.

Rust is a noun and verb referring to the reddish-brown oxide formed on iron or steel through oxidation, or to corrosion processes in general. It also describes a lack of polish or vitality in a surface or object, and, as a verb, to corrode or become corroded. The term carries connotations of decay, aging, and exposure to moisture or oxygen, often implying deterioration over time.

A two-syllable noun or verb meaning a sheltered area for playing or testing, typically consisting of loose sand in a contained space. In computing, it also refers to a controlled testing environment for experiments. It implies a safe, self-contained zone used for practice, experimentation, or development without risk to the outside world.

Scaling refers to the process of increasing or decreasing size, scope, or intensity, often in stages. In a technical context it can mean adjusting a system to handle more load, while in everyday use it can describe growing something proportionally. The term encompasses both upward and downward adjustments and is commonly used in business, technology, and biology. It also appears as a noun and verb form in varied phrasing.

Scope refers to the extent or range of something, or the opportunity to consider or investigate a subject. It can denote the breadth of a topic, the scope of a project, or the range of a device’s field of view. In specialized contexts, it also means a instrument for viewing or examining (e.g., a telescope or microscope).

Segmentation refers to the process of dividing a larger whole into its component parts, often for analysis, categorization, or communication. In linguistics, it concerns identifying boundaries between discourse units, words, or phonemes. In psychology and data science, segmentation denotes dividing continuous streams into discrete segments for interpretation or processing.

A word used for a person who serves food or drinks, and in computing a program or machine that provides services to other devices or users. As a noun, it commonly denotes hospitality staff or a networked service in tech contexts; as a verb, to serve means to perform duties for others. In everyday use, it often occurs in phrases like "waiter/waitress and server" and "file server."

Socket refers to a hollow or receptacle designed to hold something in place, such as a connector port or an anatomical cavity into which another object fits. The term can describe electrical, mechanical, or biological contexts, and implies a snug, secure fit. It is commonly used in technical, engineering, and medical discussions to denote an interface that accepts a counterpart or plug.

Switch (noun or verb) refers to a small lever or control used to alternate between states or paths, or the act of changing from one thing to another. It denotes a deliberate, often quick, transfer or replacement, and can imply a choice or transition. In everyday use, switch also describes toggling settings or modes in devices or systems.

A brief evaluation or assessment, often formal, designed to measure knowledge, ability, or performance. It can be a single exercise or a structured test with questions, tasks, or problems. In everyday use, it also means to try or try out something to see how well it works. The term spans education, psychology, and quality assurance contexts.

Thunk refers to a sudden, heavy sound produced by something falling or being struck, or to a mental process of a sudden realization. In phonetics, thunk is a monosyllabic word beginning with the voiceless dental fricative cluster /θ/ followed by /ʌ/ and ending in /ŋ/. It can function as a noun or verb in informal speech, often conveying abruptness or decisiveness in action or thought.

A word referring to an instance of buying or selling something, or to the act of conducting business dealings. It typically denotes a formal exchange, often recorded or completed through a mechanism like a sale, transfer, or agreement. In linguistics it can also describe the process of transmitting data or funds between parties. The term spans commerce, finance, and information systems contexts.