Osi

/ˌoʊ ɛs ˈaɪ/ noun

Definition

Open Systems Interconnection, a conceptual framework that standardizes telecommunications and computing systems functions into seven layers. Used as a reference model for network protocols and communications.

Etymology

Acronym developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the 1980s. Created to establish universal standards for computer networking, enabling different systems to communicate regardless of underlying architecture or manufacturer.

Kelly Says

The OSI model's seven layers (Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application) provide the invisible structure that makes the internet possible - every time you send an email or browse a website, data travels through these conceptual layers. It's like having a universal translator for computer languages.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.