ENGLISH
REFERENCE

motherboard

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈməðɝˌbɔɹd// UK //mˈʌðəbˌɔːd// moth·er·board

n. the main circuit board inside a computer. It connects all the important parts like the brain, memory, and other hardware so they can talk to each other.

n. the primary printed circuit board in a computer or other complex electronic system. It houses the central processing unit and memory while providing connectors for other peripherals.


SIMPLE

I need to replace the motherboard because the computer won't start.

CONTEXTUAL

When building a custom PC, you must ensure the motherboard is compatible with your chosen processor and case size.

COMPLEX

The technician identified a blown capacitor on the motherboard, which had been causing intermittent system crashes and data corruption during high-performance tasks.

Origin

Compound of mother + board. Attested since 1965.

Usage

Often used as a modifier in noun phrases like 'motherboard components' or 'motherboard drivers'.

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