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Queue

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. A line or sequence of people, vehicles, or things waiting their turn to be attended to or to proceed.
2. In computing, a data structure where elements are processed in the order they are added (FIFO: First In, First Out).
3. A line of people or vehicles waiting to be served or to take a particular action.

History and Origin

The word “queue” originates from the Latin word cauda, meaning “tail,” which was adopted into Old French as queue with the same meaning. The term “queue” first appeared in English in the late 15th century, initially referring to the tail of an animal, and gradually expanded to refer to any linear arrangement or line. The computing use of “queue” emerged in the 20th century with the rise of computer science and programming.

Detailed Explanation

“Queue” commonly refers to a line or sequence, where individuals or objects wait their turn for service or to perform an action. It is frequently used in contexts like standing in line at a store or waiting for a bus. In computing, a queue is a method of managing data where items are added to the rear of the queue and processed from the front, ensuring a fair and ordered handling of tasks. The idea of first-come, first-served is central to the concept of a queue in both everyday life and computer systems.

Example Sentences

1. People were standing in a long queue outside the theater for tickets.
2. The car had to wait in the queue to enter the parking lot.
3. The queue at the supermarket moved slowly during rush hour.
4. You need to get in the queue if you want to see the doctor today.
5. She was first in the queue for the roller coaster ride.
6. The server processes requests in a queue, responding to the first request it receives.
7. The line outside the club formed a long queue as people waited to get in.
8. The queue of cars waiting at the traffic light caused a minor delay.
9. The call center operator was managing multiple customer queries in a queue.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Line – A continuous row of people or objects waiting for something.
2. Waitlist – A list of people waiting for a service or opportunity.
3. Sequence – A particular order in which things or people are arranged.
4. Procession – A group of people or vehicles moving in a line, often for a specific purpose.
5. Queueing – The act of waiting in line or placing things in a sequential order.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Standby – A state of being ready to act or serve when needed, often in relation to waiting.
2. Turn – The opportunity or chance for someone to do something in sequence.
3. Order – The arrangement of things or people in a specific, structured way.
4. Priority – The status of being more important, often in the context of queue management.
5. Lineup – A sequence of people or things prepared for action, often used in event contexts.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Backlog – A buildup of tasks or items waiting to be processed, similar to a queue.
2. Series – A set of related things arranged in a particular order.
3. Roster – A list of people or things, often used in contexts like scheduling or queuing.
4. Choreograph – To arrange in a sequence, especially in a formal or systematic manner.
5. Cycle – A recurring sequence of events or actions.

Antonyms

1. Disorder
2. Chaos
3. Unorganized
4. Jumble
5. Haphazard