also: ミニコンピューター
noun
minicomputer
A mid-range computer from the 1960s–80s, smaller than a mainframe but larger than a modern microcomputer. Now mostly a historical term.
1970年代、多くの企業がミニコンピュータを導入した。
In the 1970s, many companies introduced minicomputers.
A mainframe is larger and more powerful than a minicomputer, typically used for bulk data processing.
A microcomputer is smaller and cheaper than a minicomputer; the term evolved into 'personal computer'.
Loanword from English 'minicomputer'.