Firewall

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Firewall

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

FY-er-wawl  /ˈfʌɪəwɔːl/

Definition

A wall or partition designed to inhibit or prevent the spread of fire. In computing: a system designed to prevent unauthorised access to or from a private network.

Plain meaning

A barrier designed to stop fire spreading — physically in buildings and vehicles, or digitally in computer networks as a security barrier against unwanted traffic.

Register

Technical in computing and security. The physical sense is architectural and engineering. Both senses are widely understood.