firmware

firmware — noun

1. software stored permanently inside an electronic device that controls how it run

1.名詞C1
釋義

software stored permanently inside an electronic device that controls how it runs its basic functions, such as starting up or communicating with other equipment

例句

Ravi updated the router's firmware to fix a security problem.

update + firmware to fix [problem]

The printer's firmware controls how it handles different paper sizes.

firmware controls how [device] handles [feature]

同義詞
  • embedded software

    broader term that includes firmware but also covers software on other embedded systems

  • microcode

    more technical; refers to a lower layer of instructions that the processor itself executes

反義詞
  • hardware

    the physical components of a device, as opposed to the permanent software instructions

用法筆記

Firmware is uncountable — do not write 'a firmware'. Use 'a firmware update' or 'a piece of firmware' for a specific instance. The verb 'flash' is also common: 'flash the firmware' means to install or update it.

常見錯誤

❌I need to buy a firmware for my phone.
✅I need to update the firmware on my phone.
💡Firmware is uncountable and is rarely 'bought'; it is updated or installed.
❌My camera needs a new firmware.
✅My camera needs a firmware update.
💡Use 'firmware update' rather than treating 'firmware' as a countable noun.