What is disc? Pronunciation and usage in English

disc means . Learn how to pronounce and use disc through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of disc

discnoun

/dɪsk/
Definition & pronunciation of disc

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "disc" in English. There are actually two common pronunciations, and it depends on what you're referring to!

1. As in a vinyl record (the most common usage):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈdɪsk/ (dee-sk)
  • Breakdown:
    • "di" - Sounds like the "di" in "dinner"
    • "sk" - Sounds like "sk" in "skin"
  • Emphasis: The emphasis is on the first syllable ("dee").

2. As in a circular shape or a flat plate:

  • Pronunciation: /dɪs/ (dis)
  • Breakdown:
    • "di" - Sounds like the "di" in "dinner"
    • "s" - Sounds like "s" in "sun"
  • Emphasis: The emphasis is on the first syllable ("di").

Here's a quick way to tell the difference:

  • If you're talking about a record you play, use /ˈdɪsk/.
  • If you're talking about a circular shape, use /dɪs/.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you more examples of how the word is used?

Usage and examples with the word disc in English

Let's break down how to use the word "disc" in English. It's surprisingly versatile! Here's a breakdown of its different meanings and how to use them, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Flat, Circular Object (Most Common)

  • Definition: This is the most commonly understood meaning. It refers to a flat, usually round, object, often made of metal, plastic, or vinyl.
  • Examples:
    • "He put the record disc on the turntable." (Referring to a vinyl record)
    • “She was spinning a computer disc for the installer.” (Referring to a CD or DVD)
    • "The hub disc is responsible for rotating the wheels." (Referring to a part of a vehicle)
    • "The potter created a beautiful ceramic disc."

2. Audio/Video Media (Historically and Still Relevant)

  • Definition: Specifically, a physical medium for recording and playing audio or video.
  • Types:
    • Vinyl Record Disc: (As mentioned above - the classic)
    • Compact Disc (CD): For music and data.
    • Digital Versatile Disc (DVD): Larger capacity for movies and data.
    • Blu-ray Disc: Even higher capacity for movies and data.
    • LaserDisc: A very old format, largely obsolete.
  • Usage: “He collected vintage records discs.” “She burned a DVD disc of her vacation photos.”

3. In Computers & Technology

  • Definition: A circular data storage device.
  • Examples:
    • “The software is installed on a boot disc.” (Referring to a bootable disk)
    • "My computer won't boot from this USB disc."
    • “I backed up my files to an external disc.” (Referring to a hard drive or solid-state drive)

4. Figurative/Idiomatic Uses

  • Definition: Used to describe something that seems small, insignificant, or easily dismissed. This is a more subtle usage.
  • Examples:
    • “Don't worry about that little disc of trouble – it's nothing to be concerned about.” (Meaning a small problem)
    • "He presented a rather disappointing disc of evidence." (Meaning his evidence was weak or unconvincing)

5. (Less Common) A Circular Part of Something

  • Definition: A flat, circular part of a larger object.
  • Examples:
    • "The disc of the wheel was worn smooth."
    • "The disc of the sun was blinding."

Tips for Using "Disc" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "disc" is almost entirely dependent on the context.
  • Be Specific: When referring to audio or video media, it’s often helpful to specify the type of disc (CD, DVD, etc.).
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like "disk" (American English) or "plate" if they fit the context better.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "disc"? (e.g., Are you talking about music, computers, vehicles, or something else?)

Synonyms for the word disc

Practice with vocabulary disc

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The latest operating system update can be installed from a bootable installation _________ or downloaded directly online.
  2. During the surgical procedure, the doctor carefully re-aligned the patient's spinal _________ to relieve nerve compression.
  3. For many audiophiles, the warm, rich sound of a vinyl _________ remains superior to digital formats.
  4. The lab technician carefully placed the prepared samples onto a petri _________ for incubation.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following items are commonly referred to with the word "disc" in a computing context? A) Compact _________ B) USB flash drive C) Hard _________ D) Blu-ray _________ E) Solid State Drive (SSD)

  2. In competitive athletics, which of these objects is designed to be thrown for distance and requires specific technique due to its flat, circular shape? A) Javelin B) Shotput C) Hammer D) Discus E) Flying _________

  3. If a physical therapist is treating a patient for back pain caused by a structural issue in the spine, they might be addressing problems with a spinal _________. A) cord B) nerve C) fluid D) disc E) ligament

  4. Before printing, the graphic designer reviewed the proof on a digital _________ to ensure color accuracy and layout. A) screen B) keyboard C) mouse D) speaker E) printer

  5. The antique shop displayed a collection of delicate porcelain _________s, each intricately painted with floral patterns. A) frames B) plates C) vases D) cups E) bowls

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The athlete skillfully propelled the heavy, circular object across the field during the track and field event.
    • Rewrite, using "disc" or a related word form:
  2. We need to find a round, flat optical storage medium to back up these crucial files.
    • Rewrite, using "disc" or a related word form:
  3. The computer's primary storage unit malfunctioned, causing the system to crash unexpectedly.
    • Rewrite, without using "disc" or any related forms:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The latest operating system update can be installed from a bootable installation disc or downloaded directly online.
  2. During the surgical procedure, the doctor carefully re-aligned the patient's spinal disc to relieve nerve compression.
  3. For many audiophiles, the warm, rich sound of a vinyl record remains superior to digital formats.
  4. The lab technician carefully placed the prepared samples onto a petri plate for incubation.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) Compact disc, C) Hard disc, D) Blu-ray disc
  2. D) Discus, E) Flying disc
  3. D) disc
  4. A) screen
  5. B) plates

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The athlete skillfully propelled the discus across the field during the track and field event.
  2. We need to find an optical disc to back up these crucial files.
  3. The computer's hard drive malfunctioned, causing the system to crash unexpectedly.

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