main memory

[/meɪn ˈmɛməri/]
nounpl: main memories
memória principal
1. The primary random access memory (RAM) of a computer that stores data and programs currently being executed by the processor
The main memory of this computer is 16GB of RAM.
A memória principal deste computador é 16GB de RAM.
2. The fastest and most directly accessible memory in a computer's memory hierarchy, as opposed to secondary storage like hard drives
Data transfers from main memory to the CPU are much faster than from disk storage.
As transferências de dados da memória principal para a CPU são muito mais rápidas do que do armazenamento em disco.
This is a technical term primarily used in computing, IT education, and technology discussions. It is used identically in both Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese technical contexts. The term is crucial in computer science education and professional IT environments across all Portuguese-speaking regions.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
RAMprimary memorycore memorycentral memory
Antonyms / Antônimos
secondary memoryauxiliary memoryexternal memory

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
memória principal
Standard term used in computing and IT contexts
Brazil
memória RAM
More colloquial reference, though technically RAM is a type of main memory
Portugal
memória principal
Same as Brazilian Portuguese in technical contexts
General Technical
memória de acesso aleatório
Full formal translation of RAM, less commonly used than the acronym

Related Words

RAMcache memoryvirtual memorystorageprocessorCPU
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