Dongle Definition

dôngəl, dŏng-
noun
A hardware device that renders inoperable certain software on a computer if the device is not attached to the computer.
American Heritage
(computer hardware) Any small device which plugs into an electronic device, typically a computer, and alters its functionality. Common examples include wireless modems, software copy protect devices, and adapters. Some USB keyboards and mice include USB to PS/2 adapter dongles, enabling their use on machines with PS/2 ports.
Wiktionary

Other Word Forms of Dongle

Noun

Singular:
dongle
Plural:
dongles

Origin of Dongle

  • Probably arbitrary coinage

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Apparently from dangle.

    From Wiktionary

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dongle