Take the 2-minute tour ×  Oxford Dictionaries Online defines
embedded in the meaning I'm interested in as:  Definition of
embed verb (embeds, embedding, embedded) [with object]    •
(often as adjective embedded) design and build (a
microprocessor) as an integral part of a system or device:
it eliminates the need for an embedded controller on the plotter
Etymonline traces the word back to a geological term, but I
doubt system engineers reached to geology in coining this
meaning, and while nowadays the use is widespread and common, as
I think about it, there are other ways to phrase this kind of
relationship/property that must have felt just as, or more
intuitive — integral, intristic, bound, inherent, ingrained,
nested.  I'm interested in origins of this use of this word.
Who, when, in what context used it first in this meaning? Any
backstory/motivation?  share|improve this question Since you've
got access to OED, I'd start there. I doubt they've gotten to E
on the current pass (it started on M), but it's