hardware
Meaning
The physical parts of a computer or electronic system.
Tools, equipment, and other objects made of metal, such as those used in a house or for a particular activity.
Structure
Usage
The store sells paint, tools, and other hardware.
A major problem was a fault in the computer's hardware.
He spent the weekend updating the hardware on his old bicycle.
Etymology
The word 'hardware' is a compound formed from two native English elements. 'Hard' descends from the Proto-Germanic harduz, itself from the Proto-Indo-European root kar-/ker- meaning "hard." 'Ware' originates from the Old English waru, meaning "care, custody, or an article of merchandise," related to the verb 'beware' in the sense of being careful with goods. The compound first emerged in the 15th century with the literal sense of "metal goods," such as tools and nails, contrasting with 'software' like textiles. This inherent logic of "hard, durable manufactured articles" was perfectly adapted in the mid-20th century to distinguish the tangible, physical components of a computer system from the intangible programs or 'software,' completing a clear semantic evolution from general metal goods to specific electronic equipment.
Analysis
- hard: From Old English heard, meaning "solid, firm, resistant." It is of Germanic origin and functions as an adjective root describing a quality. - ware: From Old English waru, meaning "article of merchandise, manufactured goods." It is of Germanic origin and functions as a noun-forming element.