software

noun

non-tangible executable component of a computer
software program or group of programs designed for end-users

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ˈsɒf(t)ˌwɛə/ / /ˈsɔf(t)ˌwɛɹ/ / /ˈsɑf(t)ˌwɛɹ/

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *sem- Proto-Germanic *samþuz /*samftuz Proto-Germanic *-jaz Proto-West Germanic *-ī Proto-West Germanic *samft(ī) Old English sōfte Middle English softe English soft Proto-Germanic *warō Proto-West Germanic *waru Old English waru Middle English ware English -ware English software Computing sense from soft + -ware, by contrast with hardware (“the computer itself”). Coined by John Tukey in 1958. The earlier sense of software to mean tangible products with a soft texture may have fallen out of common usage before the computing sense was created.

Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM).
“Some software will only run on a particular platform.”
“The "software" comprising the carefully planned interpretive routines, compilers, and other aspects of automative programming are at least as important to the modern electronic calculator as its "hardware" of tubes, transistors, wires, tapes and the like.”
The human beings involved in warfare, as opposed to hardware such as weapons and vehicles.
“The Americans have devoted their attention to the hardware of disarmament: Europeans can make a special contribution to the 'software' or human content of detente.”
“[…] preview of horrific images to come, as the hardware stage of the war yields to the software — or human — stage.”
Recorded music content, as opposed to the hardware necessary for reproducing it.
“[…] an extremely long playing time is achieved, which might be unnecessary from a software point of view”
“There seems to be a growing trend towards endorsement of the C-DAD system by equipment manufacturers and "software" (recorded material) producers around the world.”
Soft goods, such as textiles.
“In fact, under the heads of hardware, software, and agriculture, the leading interests of the colony might be said to be grouped.”
“Drop into the first emporium you pass, whether of hardware or software, of dry goods or wet goods, and note how comparatively few of the articles displayed represent really original ideas”