# BIOS

/ˈbaɪoʊs/ (US) · /bˈaɪəʊz/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bios
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

Stands for Basic Input/Output System. The basic software that starts your computer when you turn it on. It checks your hardware and tells the computer how to load the main operating system.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Basic Input/Output System. The firmware used to perform hardware initialization during the booting process on IBM PC compatible computers. It provides runtime services for operating systems and programs and acts as an intermediary between the hardware and the software.

## Examples

- You can change the boot order in the BIOS settings.
- The technician had to update the BIOS to ensure the motherboard was compatible with the new high-performance processor.
- Modern systems have largely replaced the traditional BIOS with the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, though many users still refer to the startup firmware by the older name.

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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.