English Reference
noun

MAC

n.
US /ˈmæk/ UK /mˈæk/ mac

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Computing

    a brand of personal computer made by the company Apple.

    a proprietary line of personal computers designed, manufactured, and marketed by Apple Inc.

    Simple

    I prefer using a Mac for graphic design because the software runs smoothly.

    In context

    The creative department recently upgraded to the latest Mac models to handle the increased processing demands of high-resolution video editing.

    PC
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate British English

    a waterproof coat that protects you from the rain.

    a waterproof raincoat, originally made of rubberised fabric. A clipping of 'mackintosh'.

    Simple

    Don't forget to bring your mac, as the weather forecast predicts heavy showers.

    In context

    He pulled his yellow mac tight against the driving wind as he walked along the pier.

    raincoatmackintoshslicker
  3. 03 B1 Intermediate Informal Cooking

    a short way of saying macaroni, usually in the dish 'mac and cheese'.

    a clipping of macaroni, almost exclusively used in the compound 'mac and cheese'.

    Simple

    The kids always ask for mac and cheese for dinner on Fridays.

    In context

    The restaurant serves a gourmet version of mac and cheese topped with truffle oil and toasted breadcrumbs.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    Stands for Media Access Control. It is a unique number that identifies a device on a network.

    Initialism of Media Access Control. Refers to a unique identifier assigned to a network interface controller for use as a network address.

    Simple

    You might need to find your computer's MAC address to connect to the office Wi-Fi.

    In context

    The network administrator implemented MAC filtering to ensure that only authorised hardware could access the secure server.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    Stands for Mid-Air Collision. It is when two planes hit each other while flying.

    Initialism of Mid-Air Collision. Used in aviation safety and accident reporting to describe an impact between aircraft in flight.

    Simple

    The pilots were trained to use radar to avoid a potential MAC.

    In context

    The investigation concluded that the MAC was caused by a failure in ground-based communication systems during peak traffic hours.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated