plural BIOSes
computers
: a software element of a computer operating system that allows the CPU to communicate with connected input and output devices (such as a keyboard or a monitor)
Your PC contains several BIOSes—the video BIOS that interfaces your CPU and video card, for example—but the most fundamental is the system BIOS.Neil Randall

Examples of BIOS in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
According to a release from the Colorado Republican Party, the spreadsheet contained more than 600 partial BIOS passwords for voting system components across 63 of Colorado's 64 counties. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 The results aren't quite as dramatic, but still measurable according to a source on Anandtech who was quick to test both old and new BIOS versions. Antony Leather, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024 At this point, every motherboard maker should have BIOS updates out that can reduce the potential for your i9, i7, or K-series i5 desktop CPU to be permanently damaged. Sean Hollister, The Verge, 30 Aug. 2024 We were directed to install a new BIOS update on existing X670E boards from the Ryzen 7000 launch instead (this almost never happens, even when forward compatibility is a selling point). Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 15 Aug. 2024 Intel's desktop motherboard partners were just starting to roll out the first BIOS updates with microcode fixes at this writing. PCMAG, 14 Aug. 2024 If your chip isn’t yet damaged, please apply motherboard BIOS updates early and often to prevent issues. Sean Hollister, The Verge, 7 Aug. 2024 The flash chip for the BIOS and CH375 USB controller chip are also visible here. Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 2 Aug. 2024 Intel recommends that users adhere to Intel Default Settings on their desktop processors, along with ensuring their BIOS is up to date. Sean Hollister, The Verge, 26 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Basic Input/Output System

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of BIOS was in 1980

Dictionary Entries Near BIOS

Cite this Entry

“BIOS.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/BIOS. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

bios

noun
bi·​os ˈbī-ˌäs How to pronounce bios (audio)
: a mixture of vitamins of the B complex essential for the optimum growth of some yeasts
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