initialize

initialize
/i nish"euh luyz'/, v.t., initialized, initializing. Computers.
1. to set (variables, counters, switches, etc.) to their starting values at the beginning of a program or subprogram.
2. to clear (internal memory, a disk, etc.) of previous data in preparation for use.
Also, esp. Brit., initialise.
[1955-60; INITIAL + -IZE]

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Universalium. 2010.

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  • initialize — i‧ni‧tial‧ize [ɪˈnɪʆəlaɪz] also initialise verb [intransitive, transitive] COMPUTING 1. if a computer initializes or is initialized, certain important programs are prepared so that it can start running 2. if you initialize a disk or if a disk… …   Financial and business terms

  • initialize — 1833, to designate by initials, from INITIAL (Cf. initial) + IZE (Cf. ize). Meaning to make ready for operation is from 1957. Related: Initialized; initializing …   Etymology dictionary

  • initialize — (Amer.) v. set at a starting position; (Computers) erase data in preparation for use (also initialise) …   English contemporary dictionary

  • initialize — [i nish′əl īz΄] vt. initialized, initializing Comput. to format or otherwise prepare (a disk, memory, etc.) initialization n …   English World dictionary

  • initialize — UK [ɪˈnɪʃəlaɪz] / US [ɪˈnɪʃ(ə)lˌaɪz] verb [transitive] Word forms initialize : present tense I/you/we/they initialize he/she/it initializes present participle initializing past tense initialized past participle initialized computing to prepare a… …   English dictionary

  • initialize — transitive verb ( ized; izing) Date: 1957 to set (as a computer program counter) to a starting position, value, or configuration • initialization noun …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • initialize — verb a) To assign initial values to something b) To assign an initial value to a variable …   Wiktionary

  • initialize — in|i|tial|ize [ ı nıʃl,aız ] verb transitive COMPUTING to prepare a piece of computer equipment or software for use …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • initialize — To set up either hardware or software to work correctly with your system. Many modems have to be initialized each time they are used so they know what to expect. When your software initializes your modem, it may tell the modem to expect 2400 baud …   Dictionary of telecommunications

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