Link Centre Dictionary

dongle

UK/ˈdɒŋɡl̩/ US/ˈdɑŋɡl̩/ uncommon

noun

1.

(computer science) an electronic device that must be attached to a computer in order for it to use protected software

Origin

Unknown. Likely a descendant of dangle, reflecting that electronic accessories such as computer peripherals often are plugged in via a flexible cable (although wirelessness is also often relevant). Claims that the word comes from a man named "Don Gall" were made up by an advertisement. First usage 1980-1985.

Phrases

  • disability dongle

Related words

Broader terms

WordNet 2.1 (Princeton University). Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). CMU Pronouncing Dictionary. WordNet 2.1 Copyright Princeton University. All rights reserved. Wiktionary content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike Licence.