(computer science) an electronic device that must be attached to a computer in order for it to use protected software

• Electronic device attached to a computer
• Computer plug-in
• Adapter used with a computer
• Electronic device
• Golden (anag) — electronic device attached to a computer

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. 1 (context computer hardware English) Any small device which plugs into an electronic device, typically a computer, and alters its functionality. Common examples include wireless modems, software copy protect devices, and adapters. Some USB keyboards ...

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
A dongle is a small piece of hardware that connects to another device to provide it with additional functionality. In relation to computing, the term is primarily associated with hardware providing a copy protection mechanism for commercial software—in ...

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. (computer science) an electronic device that must be attached to a computer in order for it to use protected software