1. Physical equipment as opposed to programs, procedures, rules, and associated documentation. 2. The generic term dealing with physical items as distinguished from its capability or function such as equipment, tools, implements, instruments, devices, sets, fittings, trimmings, assemblies, subassemblies, components, and parts. The term is often used in regard to the stage of development, as in the passage of a device or component from the design stage into the hardware stage as the finished object. 3. In data automation, the physical equipment or devices forming a computer and peripheral components. 4. Physical equipment used in data processing as opposed to programs, procedures, rules, and associated documentation.