-ware
a combining form extracted from software, occurring as the final element in words that refer to a specified kind or cl-ss of software: spyware;
shareware.
see also ware1 (def 2).
-ware
a suffix that means “software,” as in shareware.
[“software”] commonly used to form terms for cl-sses of software. for examples, see careware, crippleware, crudware, freeware, fritterware, guiltware, liveware, meatware, payware, psychedelicware, shareware, shelfware, vaporware, wetware.
[jargon file]
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- -watch
suffix indicating a regular television programme or newspaper feature on the topic specified crimewatch
- -wide
a combining form of wide, forming from nouns adjectives with the general sense “extending or applying throughout a given sp-ce,” as specified by the noun: communitywide; countrywide; worldwide.
- -wise
a suffixal use of wise2. in adverbs denoting manner, position, direction, reference, etc.: counterclockwise; edgewise; marketwise; timewise. compare -ways. usage note -wise combining form also -ways. indicating direction or manner clockwise, likewise with reference to profitwise, businesswise word origin old english -wisan; see wise²
- -witted
adjective (in combination) having wits or intelligence as specified slow-witted, dim-witted
- -woman
a combining form of woman: chairwoman; forewoman; spokeswoman. usage note