How Do You Spell KEYPUNCH?

Pronunciation: [kˈiːpʌnt͡ʃ] (IPA)

The word "keypunch" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription [kiː.pʌntʃ]. The first syllable is pronounced like "key" and the second syllable is pronounced like "punch". The "p" sound is doubled in the middle of the word to represent the double consonant in the spelling. The "u" sound in the second syllable is pronounced with a short "uh" sound, as in "hut" or "cut". This term refers to a mechanical device used in early computing to input data by punching holes in cards.

KEYPUNCH Meaning and Definition

1. Keypunch is a term used to describe a mechanical process that involves punching holes in specially designed cards or paper tapes to represent data or instructions for computer processing. The process is performed using a device known as a keypunch machine or sometimes referred to as a keypuncher.

   Keypunch machines typically consist of a keyboard, which resembles a typewriter, and a mechanism that punches holes in the cards or tapes. Each key on the keyboard corresponds to a specific combination of holes that are punched onto the card or tape. These punched holes follow a standard encoding system, such as the Hollerith code, which allows the machine to accurately represent numbers, letters, and other characters.

   The punched cards or tapes created using a keypunch machine serve as the means of inputting data into early computer systems. The holes punched in the cards or tapes would then be read by card readers or tape readers attached to computers, enabling the transfer of the encoded information to the computer's memory.

   Keypunching played a significant role in data entry and programming in the early years of computing, before the advent of more modern input devices like keyboards and mice. Although the process is no longer widely used today, the term keypunch continues to be relevant in describing this historical method of data input using punched cards or tapes.

Common Misspellings for KEYPUNCH

• kepunch
• keypuch
• keyepunch
• keypunce

Etymology of KEYPUNCH

The word "keypunch" has a relatively straightforward etymology.

The term is derived from two components: "key" and "punch".

"Key" refers to the keys on a keyboard, which allow the input of specific characters or commands. In the context of early computers, keypunching involved physically punching holes into special cards or paper tape using a machine equipped with a keyboard.

"Punch" refers to the action of creating holes by striking or pressing. The keypunch machine would "punch" holes in a card or tape to encode information.

Therefore, "keypunch" essentially means the process of punching holes in cards or tape using a keyboard with specific keys.

Plural form of KEYPUNCH is KEYPUNCHES