MLC

Abbreviation with 2 meanings

MLC
Stands forMulti-level cell
Meanings2
CategoriesTechnology & Computing, Transportation & Travel

MLC has two meanings. It stands for Multi-level cell (computer hardware) or Maritime Labour Convention (maritime).

Meanings of MLC at a glance

#MLC stands forContext
1Multi-level cellTechnology & Computing › Computer Hardware
2Maritime Labour ConventionTransportation & Travel › Maritime

1. Multi-level cell

Technology & Computing · Computer Hardware Abbreviations

NAND flash memory that stores two bits per cell, balancing endurance and cost. It was common in high-end consumer and enterprise SSDs in the early to mid 2010s.

Example: The Samsung 970 Pro was one of the last consumer SSDs built with MLC NAND.

Strictly, MLC means two bits per cell, but the term is sometimes used loosely for any flash storing more than one bit, which causes confusion in spec sheets. Typical MLC endurance is several thousand program/erase cycles. Its market share shrank as 3D TLC flash became good enough for nearly all consumer workloads.

2. Maritime Labour Convention

Transportation & Travel · Maritime Abbreviations

International Labour Organization convention, adopted in 2006 and in force since 2013, setting minimum standards for seafarers' working and living conditions, including pay, hours, accommodation, food and repatriation. It is called the seafarers' bill of rights.

Example: Under the MLC, the shipowner must repatriate crew stranded when the vessel is abandoned.

The convention consolidated dozens of older maritime labor treaties. Ships of 500 gross tonnage and above on international voyages must carry a maritime labour certificate. Crew abandonment and long contract extensions during the COVID-19 pandemic tested its enforcement.

More computer hardware abbreviations

  • MFP – Multifunction printer
  • microSD – Micro Secure Digital
  • Mini-ITX – Mini-ITX motherboard form factor
  • MIPS – Microprocessor without Interlocked Pipeline Stages
  • MoBo – Motherboard
  • MTBF – Mean time between failures
  • NAND – NOT-AND (NAND flash memory)
  • NAS – Network-attached storage

See all 151 computer hardware abbreviations →

More maritime abbreviations

  • ISPS – International Ship and Port Facility Security Code
  • LCL – Less than container load
  • LOA – Length overall
  • MARPOL – International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
  • MMSI – Maritime Mobile Service Identity
  • MOB – Man overboard
  • MS – Motor ship
  • MV – Motor vessel

See all 61 maritime abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.