English Reference
Noun

mainframe

n.
C1 Advanced US /ˈmeɪnˌfɹeɪm/ UK /mˈeɪnfɹeɪm/ main·frame UK spelling mainframe's, mainframe's Hardware

n.a very large and powerful computer used by big companies or governments to handle huge amounts of data.

n.a high-performance computer system designed for high-volume data processing and critical applications requiring extreme reliability.


SIMPLE

The bank uses a mainframe to process millions of transactions every day.

CONTEXTUAL

While many companies have moved to the cloud, some still rely on a central mainframe for their most sensitive financial records.

COMPLEX

The transition from legacy mainframe architecture to distributed cloud systems remains a significant technical challenge for many established government agencies.

Usage

Often used as a modifier before other nouns, such as 'mainframe computer' or 'mainframe system'.


From main + frame.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated