memory

plural memories · alternative memorie

1. uncountableThe ability of the brain to record information or impressions with the facility of recalling them later, usually at will.

   Memory is a facility common to all animals.

   1 more example

   And they say goldfish have no memory. I guess their lives are much like mine. And the little plastic castle is a surprise every time.

   1998, “Little Plastic Castle”, in Little Plastic Castle, performed by Ani DiFranco

   Synonyms: recall, retention

2. countableuncountableA record of a thing or an event stored and available for later use by an organism.

   I have no memory of that event.

   3 more examples

   My wedding is one of my happiest memories.

   Sam and his friends will never forget the happy memories of the field trip to France.

   I know I can't hide from my memory Though day after day I've tried I keep sayin', she'll be back But today again I've lied

   1971, Chi-Lites, “Have You Seen Her”, in (For God's Sake) Give More Power to the People

   Synonyms: recall, recollection

3. countableuncountablecomputingThe part of a computer that stores variable executable code or data (RAM) or unalterable executable code or default data (ROM).

   This data passes from the CPU to the memory.

   1 more example

   My first microcomputer had 12K of memory. When I expanded to a full 64K, I thought I had all the memory I'd ever need. Hah. I know better now.

   1987 July 27, Jerry Pournelle, “Law of Expanding Memory: Applications Will Also Expand Until RAM Is Full”, in InfoWorld, volume 9, number 30, InfoWorld Media Group Inc, page 46

   Synonyms: core

4. countableuncountableThe time within which past events can be or are remembered.

   in recent memory

   1 more example

   in living memory

5. attributivecountableuncountableOf a material, which returns to its original shape when heated.

   memory metal

   1 more example

   memory plastic

6. countableobsoleteuncountableA memorial.

   These weeds are memories of those worser hours.

   c. 1603–1606, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of King Lear”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene vii]

7. uncountableSynonym of pelmanism (“memory card game”).

   One example of that would be a memory game that I originally worked on with a friend of mine at Ovrflo Media some time ago. If you aren't familiar with the game of memory, it's a matching game where you are presented with several cards in the facedown position.

   2010, Jason Fincanon, “Advergaming and Applications”, in Flash Advertising: Flash Platform Development of Microsites, Advergames and Branded Applications, Burlington, MA: Focal Press, →ISBN, page 183

   1 more example

   After he saw her a few more times, Mr. Cherkasky asked Ms. Cochrane out on a date in May 2008 to Central Park. He brought along some games to break the ice, and Ms. Cochrane brought cupcakes. They found a quiet place to sit and played Memory and Yahtzee, both of which were new to Ms. Cochrane.

   2010 July 30, Paula Schwartz, “Lyndsea Cochrane and Ethan Cherkasky”, in The New York Times

   Synonyms: pelmanism

8. collectivecountablerareuncountablebiologyA term of venery for a social group of elephants, normally called a herd.

1. uncountableAlternative letter-case form of memory (“pelmanism”).