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The first known use of the word "computer" was not in reference to machines, but rather to people who performed mathematical calculations. The term "computer" originally referred to a human being who performed complex calculations or computations, typically as a job or profession.

Early Use of the Word

The earliest recorded use of the word "computer" dates back to the 17th century. In 1613, the word was used in English literature to describe people—usually women—who were employed to perform mathematical calculations, especially for purposes like astronomical observations, navigation, and accounting. These human computers often worked with manual tools, such as tables or calculating instruments, to perform long and tedious calculations.

The Shift to Machines

It wasn't until the 20th century that the term "computer" began to refer to machines, specifically electronic devices designed to carry out similar tasks that humans had once done manually. The evolution of computing technology led to the development of the first mechanical computers in the early 1800s, such as Charles Babbage's analytical engine, which laid the groundwork for modern computing.

By the 1940s, with the advent of electronic computers like the Colossus and ENIAC, the word "computer" had shifted from describing a person to describing a machine capable of performing complex calculations.

Human Computers in the Modern Era

Even after the development of electronic machines, the term "computer" was still occasionally used to describe people who worked with these machines. For example, during the mid-20th century, teams of women known as "human computers" were employed to calculate trajectories for space missions and other scientific calculations, often using the early mechanical and electronic computers.

Conclusion

The first known use of the word "computer" referred to people—specifically, those who performed mathematical computations by hand. It wasn't until the 20th century that the term came to represent the machines we now associate with the word. This historical shift reflects the profound transformation in how we approach computation and technology.