input
input Lexical Profile
input Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Information, advice, ideas, or effort contributed by a person or group to a discussion, project, or decision-making process.
"The committee welcomed input from local residents before finalizing the urban development plan."
Data, signals, energy, or raw materials entered into a computer, machine, or economic system for processing or operation.
"The software validates all user input to prevent formatting errors in the database."
A socket, terminal, or connection point through which electrical signals or data enter an electronic device.
"Connect the microphone cable directly into the audio input on the back of the amplifier."
• verb
To enter or feed data, text, or instructions into a computer or electronic system.
"Please input your security credentials to access the encrypted network."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a verb, both 'input' and 'inputted' are accepted past tense and past participle forms, though the invariant 'input' is generally preferred in technical and professional contexts.
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in Middle English as a compound of 'in' and 'put', originally used as a verb meaning to impose or put in; the noun sense gained prominence in the 18th century and became central to economics and computing in the 20th century.