disk

Part of Speech: Noun

Pronunciation: /dɪsk/

Definitions

• A flat, thin, circular object or surface.
• An object resembling a flat, thin circle, such as a phonograph record or computer storage device.
• (Anatomy) A flat, thin, circular tissue structure, such as an intervertebral disk.
• (Astronomy) The visible surface of a celestial body.

Usage Examples

• He inserted the disk into the computer drive.
• The moon appeared as a bright disk in the night sky.
• The vinyl disk played classical music from the 1960s.
• A herniated disk can cause significant back pain.

Etymology

From Middle English disk, from Latin discus, from Ancient Greek δίσκος (dískos), meaning "quoit, disk, platter."

Synonyms

• Plate
• Circle
• Platter
• Record
• CD

Antonyms

• Sphere
• Cube
• Solid

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /dɪsk/
• American English: /dɪsk/
• Indian English: /dɪsk/

Historical Usage

The word "disk" originally referred to circular objects like platters or disks used in sports, evolving to describe objects such as phonograph records and computer storage devices.

Cultural Nuances

The spelling "disc" is more common in British English, especially for optical media like CDs, while "disk" is standard in American English for computer storage devices.

More Information

"Disk" is a versatile term used across various fields, including technology, anatomy, and astronomy. Its meaning has evolved from describing physical circular objects to digital storage devices, reflecting technological advancements. The term continues to hold importance in both everyday language and scientific discourse.