What is disk? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of disk

disknoun

/dɪsk//dɪsk/
Definition & pronunciation of disk

The word "disk" in English is pronounced disk (like the letter "d").

Here's a breakdown:

  • "di" - pronounced like the "dee" in "deep"
  • "sk" - pronounced like the "sk" in "sky"

So, it's a short, quick "dee-sk" sound.

You can hear it clearly here: https://www.merriam-webster.com/audio/pronunciation/disk

Do you want to hear it pronounced in different accents (e.g., British vs. American)?

Usage and examples with the word disk in English

Let's break down how to use the word "disk" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Physical Disks (Storage Devices):

  • Hard Disk Drive (HDD): This is the most common meaning nowadays. It's the internal storage device in computers.
    • Example: "I need to back up my disk to an external drive."
    • Example: "The computer’s hard disk is almost full."
  • Solid State Drive (SSD): A newer, faster type of storage.
    • Example: "Upgrading to an SSD will significantly speed up your computer."
  • Optical Disk: These are older, but still used.
    • CD (Compact Disc): For music, data, etc.
      • Example: "I still have a collection of CDs."
    • DVD (Digital Versatile Disc): Larger storage capacity than CDs.
      • Example: "Let's burn this movie onto a DVD."
    • Blu-ray Disk: Even higher capacity for movies, games, etc.
      • Example: "The new box set is released on Blu-ray."
  • Floppy Disk (Legacy): These are largely obsolete now.
    • Example: "My dad still has some old floppy disks from his computer."

2. Flat, Circular Objects:

  • Disk (Metal): A flat, circular piece of metal.
    • Example: "The sculptor used a disk of bronze to create a sculpture."
  • Disk (of Paper/Cardboard): A flat, circular piece of paper or cardboard.
    • Example: "She cut out a disk from the magazine to use as a stencil.”
  • Disk (in Baking): A flat, round cake or pastry.
    • Example: “I baked a chocolate disk for dessert.”

3. Abstract and Figurative Uses:

  • Disk (Grade/Level): Referring to a student's grade or level of study.
    • Example: "She's on track to earn a high disk in her engineering program." (Though less common now, "disk" is sometimes used instead of "grade").
  • Disk (Race/Sport): In some sports (like track and field, or even casual racing), "disk" refers to a discus.
    • Example: "The athlete threw the disk a record distance."
  • Disk (of Evidence/Information): A collection of facts or data.
    • Example: "The investigators compiled a disk of evidence to build their case.”

4. Other Uses:

  • Disk (Album): A record album.
    • Example: "I'm listening to my favorite disk right now."

Tips for Using "Disk" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand the intended meaning.
  • Common Usage: "Hard disk" and "optical disk" are the most frequently used forms.
  • Alternatives: Depending on the context, you might be able to use more specific terms like "storage drive," "CD," "DVD," or "Blu-ray."

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

  • What context are you thinking about when you want to use the word "disk"? (e.g., computer, baking, sport, etc.)

Synonyms for the word disk

Practice with vocabulary disk

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The IT department recommended backing up all critical files to an external storage _________ weekly.
  2. Before installing the new operating system, the technician performed a low-level format on the hard _________.
  3. Despite initial skepticism, the company made a firm _________ to invest in renewable energy sources.
  4. She demonstrated remarkable _________ in solving the complex mathematical problem.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms typically refers to a flat, circular component used for data storage or as part of a mechanical system? a) Processor b) Disk c) Interface d) Chip e) Solid-State Drive

  2. A compact _______ (CD) or digital versatile _______ (DVD) is a common optical medium for distributing software and media files. a) array b) disk c) circuit d) disc e) platter

  3. Modern server racks often contain multiple high-capacity _______s, arranged in RAID configurations for data redundancy. a) processors b) memory modules c) disks d) networks e) volumes

  4. Which device is primarily responsible for executing program instructions and performing calculations within a computer? a) RAM b) Motherboard c) CPU d) Hard Drive e) Graphics Card

  5. To safeguard sensitive information, it is advisable to _______ your important documents before sharing them digitally. a) compress b) delete c) encrypt d) organize e) print

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The central storage component of the computer is indicating an error.
  2. The circular object that holds data and spins within a computer is essential for its operation.
  3. The project manager decided to redistribute the tasks among team members.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. disk
  2. disk
  3. decision
  4. perseverance

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Disk
  2. b) disk, d) disc
  3. c) disks
  4. c) CPU
  5. c) encrypt

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The computer's hard disk is indicating an error.
  2. The data disk, which spins within a computer, is essential for its operation.
  3. The project manager decided to reallocate the tasks among team members.

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