processor
6 synonyms for processor, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The main chip in a computer that carries out instructions; a CPU.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use processor
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
food processor
word processor
quad-core processor
Etymology
From process + the agent suffix -or, recorded in this sense since around 1909.
Full origin of processor →Frequently asked questions
What does “processor” mean?
The word “processor” means the main chip in a computer that carries out instructions; a CPU. In plain terms, the part of a computer (or machine) that does the actual processing work.
How do you pronounce “processor”?
“Processor” is pronounced PROH-seh-suh (/ˈpɹɑˌsɛsɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “processor” in a sentence?
Here is “processor” used in a sentence: “The new laptop has a faster processor than the old one.”
What part of speech is “processor”?
“Processor” is a noun.
Where does the word “processor” come from?
The word “processor” dates back to around 1909. From process + the agent suffix -or, recorded in this sense since around 1909.
Is “processor” a common word?
“Processor” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “processor” have?
“Processor” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the main chip in a computer that carries out instructions; a CPU.
What is the difference between a processor and a CPU?
In everyday computing the terms often mean the same thing: the CPU (central processing unit) is the main processor chip that carries out a computer's instructions. "Processor" is the wider word, since it can also refer to other specialised chips, such as a graphics processor.
What is the difference between a processor and a microprocessor?
A microprocessor is a processor whose circuitry is built onto a single integrated circuit or chip. In modern usage the two terms overlap, because virtually every computer processor today is a microprocessor.
What is the difference between a computer processor and a food processor?
A computer processor is the main chip that carries out instructions, while a food processor is a kitchen machine. Both share the underlying idea of a device that "processes" something, whether data or ingredients.
Besides a computer chip, what else can a "processor" be?
"Processor" can also mean any machine or person that processes something. Examples include a food processor in a kitchen, a word processor for typing, or a claims processor who handles paperwork.
