motherboard
/ˈmʌð.ə.bɔːd/ IELTSAcademic
noun
The main circuit board in a computer. It connects the processor, memory, storage, and other parts so they can work together.
- The new computer has a faster motherboard.
- My motherboard needs a new graphics card.
- Dust can damage the motherboard over time.
Adinary Nuance
A motherboard is the central board inside a computer. It is not the same as a circuit board in general, because many devices have circuit boards, but not every board is a motherboard. It is also different from a CPU: the CPU is the processor chip, while the motherboard is the board that holds and connects parts.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- bo mạch chủ
- Spanish
- placa base
- Chinese
- 主板
- Japanese
- マザーボード
- Korean
- 메인보드
Etymology
The word appeared in the 20th century in computing. It combines "mother" and "board" because it is the main board that connects the other parts.
Common phrases
motherboard slotmotherboard traymotherboard failuremotherboard layout
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is motherboard the same as CPU?
- No. The CPU is the processor chip. The motherboard is the main board that connects parts.
- Is motherboard a common word in computer writing?
- Yes. It is a standard word in computer and repair contexts.
- Can I say main board instead of motherboard?
- Sometimes, yes. But motherboard is the most common word in everyday computer English.