noun
Common
processor
PROH-seh-suh
Processor (noun) means the main chip in a computer that carries out instructions; a CPU. Example: “Editing video needs a powerful processor and plenty of memory.”
noun
1
The main chip in a computer that carries out instructions; a CPU.
"Editing video needs a powerful processor and plenty of memory."
"The phone slowed down because its processor was overheating."
"The new laptop has a faster processor than the old one."
2
A machine or person that processes something, such as food.
"The factory sold all its fish to a large food processor."
"A cheap food processor will chop the onions in seconds."
"She blitzed the vegetables in a food processor."
How to use processor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe part of a computer (or machine) that does the actual processing work.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
food processor
word processor
quad-core processor
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Word forms
- Plural
- processors
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Editing video needs a powerful _____ and plenty of memory.
Etymology
From process + the agent suffix -or, recorded in this sense since around 1909.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for processor
See all rhymes for 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.
