pc

Everyday

1. A PC is a personal computer, often a desktop or laptop computer, especially one that is not an Apple Mac. tree →
2. (UK) PC stands for Police Constable, the lowest rank of police officer: PC Jones. tree →
3. PC (or «politically correct») describes language or behaviour that tries not to offend groups of people; sometimes said in a mocking way. tree →
4. pc (lowercase) can mean per cent or piece in short notes. tree →

In the lessons

In computing lessons: using a PC. In stories and news (UK): PC Smith helped the lost child. In everyday talk: «That's not very PC» means that might offend people.

Examples

• I did my homework on the PC. tree →
• Our classroom has six PCs. tree →
• PC Patel visited our school to talk about road safety. tree →
• Turn off the PC before you go home. tree →
• He said the joke wasn't PC. tree →
• The price went up by 5 pc. tree →

Note

Usually written in capitals: PC. Plural: PCs. Women police officers are also «PC» (WPC is old-fashioned). Read the context to know which meaning is used.