disc, disk

In general, use the spelling disk when you are referring to computers.

• Has your hard disk crashed again?
• The disk drive on my computer is not working.

In Canada, use the spelling disc for all other meanings.

• Samek bought dozens of compact discs at the garage sale.
• As people age, the discs in their spines become compressed.
• Some gardeners believe that shiny, spinning discs—aluminum pie plates, for instance—will frighten crows and other pests.
• Antoine and Jan were the disc jockeys at last week’s party.

In most instances, disc reflects British and Canadian usage, and disk American.