# bare metal

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bare-metal
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a computer system or server that does not have any extra software or layers between the hardware and the operating system. You use this term when you are talking about running software directly on the physical machine.

For teachers: a computer system or server in which an operating system is installed directly onto the physical hardware without a hypervisor or virtualization layer. Often used in cloud computing to describe dedicated physical resources as opposed to virtual machines.

## Examples

- The company moved their database to bare metal for better performance.
- Running the application on bare metal ensures that no other virtual users compete for the server's processing power.
- High-frequency trading platforms often require bare metal environments to eliminate the micro-latencies introduced by virtualization layers and hypervisor management overhead.

## Usage notes

- Often functions as a compound noun or an attributive modifier before another noun, such as 'bare metal server' or 'bare metal environment'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.