Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/əˈsɛmblɪ/

Definitions

1. The action of gathering or being gathered into a group or collection.

2. A group of people gathered together in one place for a common purpose, especially for a formal meeting.

3. A set of instructions in assembly language that is compiled to machine code for execution by a computer's processor.

Usage Examples

• The assembly of the new model will begin next week.
• The legislative assembly passed the new law last month.
• The program was written in assembly for better control over hardware.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English 'assemblen' (to gather), from Old French 'assembler' (to unite), from Latin 'assimulare' (to make like). The term has evolved to refer both to the action of gathering and the group that is gathered.

Synonyms

• Gathering
• Meeting
• Conference
• Collection

Antonyms

• Disbanding
• Separation
• Dispersal

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /əˈsɛmblɪ/
• British English: /əˈsɛmblɪ/

Historical Usage

The term "assembly" has been used historically to describe gatherings, especially in political and legislative contexts, dating back to the early medieval period. It also refers to the act of putting together parts of a machine or structure. In computing, assembly language emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, allowing programmers to write instructions in a human-readable form that could be translated into machine code.

Cultural Nuances

Assemblies have held cultural significance in societies throughout history. In political contexts, they often represent forums for decision-making, debate, or policy-making. In various religious or community settings, assemblies have been vital for collective worship, governance, or social bonding. The practice of assembly is deeply embedded in democratic traditions, often symbolizing collective action or the coming together of individuals for a shared purpose.

More Information

The term "assembly" is widely applicable across different fields, from political bodies and social gatherings to the assembly of mechanical components and computer systems. In computing, assembly language provides a bridge between high-level programming languages and the machine code that a processor can execute. While less common in modern software development due to the rise of higher-level languages, assembly remains crucial for systems programming, embedded software, and understanding the internal workings of a computer.