personal computer — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A computer for use by one person at a time (using a microprocessor).

   Synonyms

   PCdesktop computermicrocomputer

   Examples

   Near-synonyms: desktop computer, microcomputer

   He is working on an important project on his personal computer.

   More examples (3)

   “There is no reason to suppose the average boy or girl cannot be master of a personal computer,” he said.

   Meanwhile the research center is nifty as ever. Virtuoso Peter Deutsch is working on interactive systems for secretaries. They're part way along on the Dynabook fantasy with a working personal computer the size of a breadbox.

   Morse did confirm that the Amiga personal computer will have 128K of random-access memory (RAM) and a single 5¼-inch disk drive with 320K storage.

2. A computer for use by one person at a time (using a microprocessor). The IBM Personal Computer.

   Usage

   • Historical

3. A computer for use by one person at a time (using a microprocessor). A PC-compatible computer.

   Usage

   • Dated

   Synonyms

   PC cloneIBM PC clone

Noun

1. a small digital computer based on a microprocessor and designed to be used by one person at a time

   Synonyms

   PCmicrocomputer

   Broader terms

   digital computer