open-source — denoting software for which the original source code is made freely available and may be redistributed and modified
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: denoting software for which the original source code is made freely available and may be redistributed and modified
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈoʊpən sɔːrs/
Example Sentences
- My computer is so old it should probably become open-source itself, since anyone could figure out how it works by just looking at it.
- The city government launched an open-source platform to let citizens report potholes directly.
- Linux is probably the most famous open-source operating system in the world.
open-source
ADJECTIVE[/ˈoʊpən sɔːrs/]
denoting software for which the original source code is made freely available and may be redistributed and modified
Developers worldwide freely share and improve open-source code together online.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Open-source emerged as a compound term in the 1990s software development culture, combining 'open' (accessible) and 'source' (source code). The term originated from a movement advocating that proprietary program source code, traditionally kept secret by companies, should be made publicly visible and accessible to all developers.
Breakdown
open (accessible, unrestricted) + source (source code, the original program code). The compound denotes software whose source code is made available for public inspection, modification, and redistribution.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My computer is so old it should probably become open-source itself, since anyone could figure out how it works by just looking at it.”
“The city government launched an open-source platform to let citizens report potholes directly.”
“Linux is probably the most famous open-source operating system in the world.”
“He joked that his messy desk was 'open-source,' since everyone in the office could see exactly what a disaster his work life was.”
“Many public institutions now prefer open-source solutions to avoid paying expensive licensing fees.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.