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machine language

noun

Updated on: 22 Mar 2018

Definition of machine language

1 : the set of symbolic instruction codes usually in binary form that is used to represent operations and data in a machine (such as a computer) — called also machine code

2 : assembly language

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Recent Examples of machine language from the Web

Reply will probably be an extension of this API but with single-tap machine language input instead of with a voice or keyboard.

— ron amadeo, Ars Technica, "Google experiment writes IM replies for you, lets you send them with a tap," 14 Feb. 2018
For the machine language of computers this was no longer true.

— george dyson, WSJ, "The Elegance of Ones and Zeroes," 21 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'machine language.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of machine language

1947

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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See words that rhyme with machine language Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about machine language

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