Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) is a type of random access memory (RAM) that stores each bit of data in a separate capacitor within an integrated circuit. The capacitor can either be charged to represent a one or discharged to represent a zero. The capacitor will gradually discharge, so the data has to be refreshed periodically. This type of memory is much faster than hard drives, and is typically used to store frequently accessed data or programs that are in use at any given moment.