(or compact disc, read-only memory), data-storage system for personal computers using a compact disc on which computer programs, data bases, or other large amounts of information have been digitally encoded; stored data often includes text and computer programs and, sometimes, pictures, sound, and simple motion pictures or animation; stored data is randomly accessed in the same way as on a floppy disk but, currently, may not be changed by the user; a single, small CD-ROM disc can hold more information than more than 1,000 floppy disks . see also in index Compact disc