hardware

1. Physical equipment as opposed to programs, procedures, rules, and associated documentation. (188 ) 2. The generic term dealing with physical items as distinguished from its capability or function such as equipment, tools, implements, instruments, devices, sets, fittings, trimmings, assemblies, subassemblies, components, and parts. Note: Hardware is often used in regard to the stage of development, as in the passage of a device or component from the design stage into the hardware stage as the finished object. [After JP1] 3. In data automation, the physical equipment or devices forming a computer and peripheral components. [JP1]