Smartphone
/ˈsmɑːrt.foʊn/noun
A portable device that combines mobile phone capabilities with those of a computer.
Did you know?The term 'smart' originally meant 'to cause pain' or 'to sting', which adds a mysterious twist to our beloved devices!
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
smerte
“to feel pain or sting, a sensation of sharp discomfort.”
Old English
English
smeortan
“to sting, a verb associated with sharp sensations.”
14th Century
English
smarte
“to cause pain, to feel a sharp sensation.”
19th Century
English
smart
“clever, quick-witted, sharp.”
21st Century
English
smartphone
“a device combining mobile phone capabilities with computer functions, reflecting both intelligence and utility.”