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open source

/ˈoʊpən ˈsɔrs/ · oʊ.pən ˈsɔrs
noun
  1. Software for which the source code is made available to the public, allowing users to view, modify, and distribute the code. The open-source operating system Linux has gained popularity among developers and users alike.
  2. A philosophy or approach that emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and community involvement in the development and distribution of software, products, or knowledge. The open-source movement has inspired many projects, from open-source hardware to open-source educational resources.
Did you know? The term 'open source' was first coined by Christine Peterson, co-founder of the Open Source Initiative, in 1998. She chose the term to emphasize the collaborative and transparent nature of open-source software development.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 3 lookups Added Jul 31, 2026