Beowulf cluster

noun

: a collection of small, relatively inexpensive computers linked together in order to combine their processing power

Green Destiny belongs to a class of make-shift supercomputers called Beowulf clusters. Named for the monster-slaying hero in the eighth-century Old English epic, the machines are made by stringing together off-the-shelf PC's into networks, generally communicating via Ethernet—the same technology used in home and office networking.

—George Johnson, New York Times, 25 June 2002

Word History

First Known Use

1998, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!