adjective
volatile
Requiring electrical power to retain stored information.
Volatile memory loses its stored data when the power goes out.
Etymology
The older flying-away image developed into impermanence. Computer memory is volatile when its contents disappear after electrical power is removed.
More examples
- The device uses volatile memory to hold data during processing.
- Files held only in volatile memory disappear when you shut down.
- A backup battery keeps the volatile storage powered during an outage.
Forms
volatile
volatility noun — Dependence on electrical power to retain data.