Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun Metal goods and utensils such as locks, tools, and cutlery.
  • noun Computers A computer and the associated physical equipment directly involved in the performance of data-processing or communications functions.
  • noun Machines and other physical equipment directly involved in performing an industrial, technological, or military function.
  • noun Informal Weapons, especially military weapons.

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun Small metal articles, such as house- or carriage-trimmings, fittings, parts of machines, domestic and kitchen utensils and appliances, and small tools.
  • noun Alcoholic liquors.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun Ware made of metal, as cutlery, kitchen utensils, and the like; ironmongery.
  • noun Any of the physical objects used in carrying out an activity, in contrast to the knowledge, skill, or theory required to perform the activity; mostly used collectively.
  • noun (Computers) The sum of all the physical objects, such as the electrical, mechanical, and electronic devices which comprise a computer system; ; contrasted with software, the programs executed by the computer.
  • noun (Military) The weapons, transport, and other physical objects used in conducting a war.
  • noun Weapons, especially handguns, carried on the person.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun Fixtures, equipment, tools and devices used for general-purpose construction and repair of a structure or object. Also such equipment as sold as stock by a store of the same name, e.g. hardware store.
  • noun informal Equipment.
  • noun computing The part of a computer that is fixed and cannot be altered without replacement or physical modification; motherboard, expansion cards, etc. Compare software.
  • noun technology Electronic equipment.
  • noun Metal implements.
  • noun slang A firearm.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun (computer science) the mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical components making up a computer system
  • noun major items of military weaponry (as tanks or missile)
  • noun instrumentalities (tools or implements) made of metal

Etymologies

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Examples

Comments

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  • I have heard this word used in the context of trophies or prizes. "Pick up your hardware after the awards ceremony." can anyone corroborate this?

    January 28, 2011

  • I've heard it too. I hereby corroborate.

    January 28, 2011

  • And I corroborate chained_bear. Let's all indulge in an orgy of mutual corroboration.

    January 28, 2011

  • I'm in.

    January 28, 2011