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REFERENCE

android

n. · adj.
US //ˈænˌdɹɔɪd// UK //ˈændɹɔɪd// an·droid
  1. 1 human-like robot (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    a robot that is designed to look and act like a human being.

    a robot or synthetic organism designed with a human-like appearance and behavior.

    Example

    In the movie, the android was so realistic that people thought he was a real person.

    Example

    The science fiction novel explores the ethical implications of creating an android capable of experiencing genuine human emotions.

    Usage

    Often used in science fiction contexts to distinguish human-looking robots from mechanical-looking ones.
  2. 2 mobile operating system (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    a popular operating system used on many smartphones and tablets.

    A mobile operating system based on a modified version of the Linux kernel, primarily designed for touchscreen mobile devices.

    Example

    I prefer using Android because I can customize the home screen more easily than on an iPhone.

    Example

    Developers must ensure their applications are compatible with various versions of the Android operating system to reach a global audience.

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  1. 3 a mobile device (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal Computing

    a smartphone or tablet that uses the Android operating system.

    A mobile handset or tablet computer running the Android operating system.

    Example

    Does your charger work with an Android, or is it only for Apple devices?

    Example

    The market share for Androids has grown significantly in emerging economies due to the availability of affordable hardware options.
    • smartphone
  2. 4 anatomical shape (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Medicine

    a term used in medicine to describe a pelvis shape that is usually found in men.

    Relating to a type of pelvis with a narrow anterior segment and a heart-shaped brim, characteristic of the human male.

    Example

    The doctor explained that an android pelvis can sometimes make natural childbirth more difficult.

    Example

    Radiographic assessment confirmed an android pelvic structure, which necessitated a different approach to the surgical procedure.

    Usage

    Primarily used in obstetrics and anatomy to categorize pelvic morphology.
    • gynaecoid
Origin

Learned borrowing from New Latin androides, from Ancient Greek ἀνδρός (andrós, genitive of ἀνήρ (anḗr, “man, human”)) + -ειδής (-eidḗs, itself from εἶδος (eîdos, “form, image, shape, appearance, look”)). By surface analysis, andr- + -oid.

Word family

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