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cache

Short-term storage. A cache is used to speed up certain computer operations by temporarily placing data, or a copy of it, in a location where it can be accessed more rapidly than normal. For example, data from a storage disk may be cached temporarily in high-speed memory so that it can be read and written more quickly than if it had to come directly from the disk itself; or a microprocessor may use an an on-board memory cache to store temporary data for use during operations. 'Cache' is derived from the French word for a hiding place, and so is pronounced like 'cash'.