Disc

Definition

Disc is a noun that refers to a flat, thin, circular object or surface. Common examples include optical discs like CDs and DVDs, as well as anatomical structures like the intervertebral discs in the spine. In British English, "disc" is the preferred spelling, while "disk" is more common in American English, especially in computing contexts.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪsk/
• Respelling: DISK

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪsk/
• Respelling: DISK

Etymology

The word "disc" originates from the Latin "discus," meaning "quoit or platter," which itself comes from the Greek "diskos," referring to a round, flat object. It entered English in the 17th century to describe circular objects and has since extended to other uses.

Derivatives

• Discal (adjective)
• Disc-shaped (adjective)
• Discus (noun)
• Discography (noun)
• Discern (verb, indirectly related in terms of origin)

Synonyms

• Plate
• Circle
• Disk

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "disc" is widely used to describe any flat, circular object, such as "a compact disc." It is also used in anatomy, such as in "spinal disc," and in British English to refer to digital storage devices, where "disk" is the American preference.

Related Terms

• Disk: An alternative spelling commonly used in American English.
• Plate: A flat, typically round object, often used to serve food.
• Optical disc: A data storage medium, such as a CD or DVD, that is circular in shape.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A flat, circular object: Refers to any round, thin object that is generally flat in structure.
  • Example: "She inserted the disc into the player to watch the movie."
• Anatomical structure between vertebrae: Used to describe a circular, cushion-like structure in the spine, such as an intervertebral disc.
  • Example: "A slipped disc can cause back pain."
• A type of optical storage medium: Refers to devices like CDs or DVDs used to store digital data.
  • Example: "The software is available on a compact disc."