information, numbers, or commands that are put into a computer, machine, or electronic system so it can work
She clicked the mouse and entered the input into the form.
The robot stops whenever it receives the wrong input.
✦ formed in English in the 1940s from the prefix in- “into” + put, on the model of output
ideas, opinions, or advice that someone contributes to help make a decision or improve something
The teacher asked every student for their input on the project topic.
Thank you for your helpful input during the meeting.
✦ metaphorically extended from the computing sense to personal contributions in the 1960s
to type or otherwise put information, numbers, or commands into a computer or other device
Please input your password to continue.
She input the survey data into the spreadsheet.
✦ verb use recorded from 1946, back-formed from the noun
the amount of energy, power, or resources that go into a machine, process, or project
The factory reduced energy input by upgrading its equipment.
Crop yield depends on the level of nutrient input.
✦ developed as a technical extension of the basic computing sense in the mid-20th century
