COMPACT DISC Meaning and
Definition
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A compact disc, often referred to as a CD, is a digital optical disc format used for storing and playing audio, video, and other data. It is a flat, circular disc made of polycarbonate plastic, typically measuring 12 centimeters in diameter and 1.2 millimeters in thickness. The disc is coated with a reflective layer, usually made of aluminum, which allows it to capture and reflect light.
The data on a compact disc is encoded in the form of tiny pits, or indentations, on the reflective layer. These pits are arranged in a spiral pattern, starting from the center of the disc and moving outward. The information on the disc is read by a laser beam emitted from a CD player or optical drive device. The laser reads the reflections produced by the pits and converts them into digital information that can be decoded and reproduced as audio, video, or data files.
Compact discs revolutionized the music industry when they were introduced in the early 1980s, replacing vinyl records and cassette tapes as the preferred medium for music distribution. CDs offer several advantages over older formats, including higher audio quality, increased storage capacity, and improved durability. They can store up to 80 minutes of music or approximately 700 megabytes of data.
As technology has progressed, the use of compact discs has declined, as digital music streaming and downloadable media have become more popular. Nevertheless, CDs continue to be used for various applications, such as storing software programs, distributing media content, and archiving data.
Common Misspellings for COMPACT DISC
- xompact disc
- vompact disc
- fompact disc
- dompact disc
- cimpact disc
- ckmpact disc
- clmpact disc
- cpmpact disc
- c0mpact disc
- c9mpact disc
- conpact disc
- cokpact disc
- cojpact disc
- comoact disc
- comlact disc
- com-act disc
- com0act disc
- compzct disc
- compsct disc
Etymology of COMPACT DISC
The word "compact disc" has its etymology rooted in the Latin language.
The term "compact" originated from the Latin word "compactare", which means "to make firm, fasten together, or join". It eventually evolved into the Late Latin term "compactus", referring to something that is compressed, concise, or closely united.
The word "disc" comes from the Latin word "discus", which was used to denote a round, flat object like a disk or plate. This Latin term can be traced back to the Greek word "diskos", which had a similar meaning.
When these two terms merged together, the compound term "compact disc" was formed. It refers to a digital optical storage medium, typically with a diameter of 12 centimeters, that is used to store and play audio and other data.
Similar spelling words for COMPACT DISC
- compactly,
- compact-disc player,
- compactness,
- compact disk,
- compact disc-recordable,
- compaction,
- compost pile,
- compact car,
- compact-disk burner,
- Compact Discs,
- compact disc-rewritable,
- compact-disc video.
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