abbreviation

DSP

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DSP (abbreviation) means Digital signal processing: the mathematical manipulation of signals such as sound, images or radio waves after they have been converted into numbers, used for filtering, compression and noise reduction. Example: “Noise cancellation in the headphones is all done in DSP.”

abbreviation

Digital signal processing: the mathematical manipulation of signals such as sound, images or radio waves after they have been converted into numbers, used for filtering, compression and noise reduction.

"Noise cancellation in the headphones is all done in DSP."

"She teaches a DSP module covering filters and transforms."

A digital signal processor: a microchip built specifically to run signal-processing calculations quickly and efficiently.

"The amplifier has a dedicated DSP for room correction."

Demand-side platform: software that lets advertisers buy online ad space automatically across many websites and apps through real-time auctions.

"The agency runs its display budget through a single DSP."

How to use DSP

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt usually means processing sound or other signals with maths on a computer chip.

When to use it

Capitalised, and always spelled out on first use outside its own field. Audio engineers use the first two senses; advertisers use the third.

Memory tip

In audio contexts DSP can mean the technique or the chip; the surrounding words usually make it obvious.

Common pairings

DSP chip onboard DSP DSP algorithm programmatic DSP

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “DSP” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Noise cancellation in the headphones is all done in _____.

Frequently asked questions

What does DSP do in audio equipment?

It applies effects and corrections to sound in the digital domain, such as equalisation, delay, compression and noise cancellation. Because it works on numbers rather than analogue voltages, the same hardware can be reprogrammed for different tasks.

What is the difference between a DSP and a CPU?

A CPU is a general-purpose processor designed to run any kind of program. A DSP is specialised for repetitive maths on streams of samples, which it does with far less power and latency, but it is poor at general computing tasks.

What is a DSP in advertising?

A demand-side platform is the buying tool advertisers use to bid on ad impressions across thousands of sites and apps automatically. It is the counterpart of the supply-side platform, which publishers use to sell that inventory.

What is the meaning of DSP?

"DSP" (abbreviation) means digital signal processing: the mathematical manipulation of signals such as sound, images or radio waves after they have been converted into numbers, used for filtering, compression and noise reduction.

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