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Definition of firmware

firmware

/ˈfɜːrmwɛər/
firm · ware
Plural:firmwares
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firmware Lexical Profile

firmware Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Permanent or semi-permanent software programmed into a device's read-only or non-volatile memory, providing low-level control for its specific hardware.

Example

"The router manufacturer released a critical firmware update to patch the security vulnerability."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for firmware

• Nearby Words

firmament
firmly
firmness
firmware
first
firstborn
firstfruits

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1967 by computer scientist Ascher Opler in a Datamation article, blending 'firm' and '-ware' to describe microcode that occupied a middle ground between physical 'hardware' and easily modified 'software'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Firmware. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/firmware
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