Unit 8: A2 Vocabulary—Technology and Media

Keyboard

Definition: A panel of keys that operate a computer or typewriter.

Example: “I type on my keyboard to write emails.”

 

Monitor

Definition: An output device that displays information in pictorial form.

Example: “She watched the video on her computer monitor.”

 

Printer

Definition: A machine for printing text or pictures onto paper.

Example: “I need to use the printer to print my homework.”

 

Speaker

Definition: An output device that produces sound.

Example: “He connected his phone to the speakers to play music.”

 

Headphones

Definition: A pair of small speakers that are worn on or around the head over a user’s ears.

Example: “She uses headphones to listen to music without disturbing others.”

 

Mouse

Definition: A hand-operated input device that controls the cursor on a computer screen.

Example: “He clicked the mouse to open the file.”

 

Remote Control

Definition: A device used to operate a machine from a distance.

Example: “She used the remote control to change the TV channel.”

 

Touchscreen

Definition: A display that can detect the presence and location of a touch within the display area.

Example: “Many smartphones have a touchscreen interface.”

 

E-book

Definition: A digital book that can be read on a computer or handheld device.

Example: “He downloaded an e-book to read on his tablet.”

 

Streaming

Definition: The transmission of data (audio or video) over the internet in a continuous flow.

Example: “We watched the movie via a streaming service.”

 

Download

Definition: To transfer data from one computer system to another, typically from a larger to a smaller system.

Example: “I need to download the latest updates for the software.”

 

Upload

Definition: To transfer data from a smaller to a larger computer system, typically to the internet.

Example: “She uploaded the photos from her vacation to her social media account.”

 

Chat

Definition: An informal conversation or exchange of messages.

Example: “We had a chat online about our weekend plans.”

 

Forum

Definition: An online platform where people can post and reply to messages on particular topics.

Example: “He posted a question on the tech forum and got many helpful replies.”

 

Podcast

Definition: A digital audio file available for downloading, typically as part of a series.

Example: “I listen to educational podcasts during my commute.”

 

Vlog

Definition: A blog in which the postings are primarily in video form.

Example: “She started a vlog to share her travel experiences.”

 

Selfie

Definition: A photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically with a smartphone or webcam.

Example: “He took a selfie with his friends at the concert.”

 

Link

Definition: A reference in a hypertext document to another document or resource.

Example: “Click on the link to visit our website.”

 

Profile

Definition: A user’s personal information and settings on a social media platform.

Example: “She updated her profile with a new picture.”

 

Hashtag

Definition: A word or phrase preceded by a hash sign (#), used on social media websites to identify messages on a specific topic.

Example: “He used the hashtag #travel in his Instagram post.”

 

Stream

Definition: To transmit or receive data over the internet as a continuous flow.

Example: “They streamed the live concert online.”

 

Subscription

Definition: An arrangement to receive something, typically a publication or service, regularly by paying in advance.

Example: “She has a subscription to an online magazine.”

 

Browser

Definition: A software application for retrieving, presenting, and traversing information resources on the World Wide Web.

Example: “He opened his web browser to search for recipes.”

 

File

Definition: A digital document stored on a computer.

Example: “I saved the file to my desktop.”

 

Notification

Definition: A message or alert that informs you about something on your device.

Example: “She received a notification about a new message.”