What does "fortran" mean?
a high-level programing language for mathematical and scientific purposes; stands for formula translation
Fortran
/ˈfɔː.tɹæn/ name
name ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: a high-level programing language for mathematical and scientific purposes; stands for formula translation
- Grammar: fortran is listed as name.
- Nearest alternatives: abbreviation, acronym, bit, bug.
- Useful contrasts: human language, modern language, natural language.
- Usage evidence: FORTRAN is a programming language.
How to use "fortran"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "fortran" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "fortran" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "fortran" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "fortran" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "fortran" is acting as name in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abbreviation" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "fortran", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 a high-level programing language for mathematical and scientific purposes; stands for formula translation wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 Alternative letter-case form of Fortran, particularly its early forms. alt-of
"The brothers wrote the machine’s application software in FORTRAN, a programming language that is “a dinosaur from the late fifties,” Gregory said, adding, “There is always new life in this dinosaur.”"
- 2 A high-level programming language first developed in the 1950s for scientific, engineering, and numerical computation.
"He was the defiant homesteader, the crusty senior member of a research team who understood Algol and Fortran but couldn't read the secrets of his own heart."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
human languagemodern languagenatural languagenon Fortran
Example
"FORTRAN is a programming language."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "fortran"?
Common synonyms include: abbreviation, acronym, bit, bug, coding language, command.
How do you use "fortran" in a sentence?
FORTRAN is a programming language.
How do you pronounce "fortran"?
Pronounced /ˈfɔː.tɹæn/.
Etymology
A variant capitalization of FORTRAN (formally adopted with Fortran 90 in 1991), a blend of formula + translator or formula + translation.