Hardware /(härd"wâr`)/

Hard·ware

Hardware

n.
  1. Ware made of metal, as cutlery, kitchen utensils, and the like; ironmongery.
  2. Any of the physical objects used in carrying out an activity, in contrast to the knowledge, skill, or theory required to perform the activity; mostly used collectively.
  3. The sum of all the physical objects, such as the electrical, mechanical, and electronic devices which comprise a computer system; as, the typical PC hardware suite consists of a mainboard and a number of peripherals such as hard drives and speakers, connected by adapter cards, but the input and output from users occurs mostly through the keyboard and monitor; contrasted with software, the programs executed by the computer. (Computers)
  4. The weapons, transport, and other physical objects used in conducting a war. (Military)
  5. Weapons, especially handguns, carried on the person; as, check your hardware at the door before entering. (Slang)