Processor: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word is derived from the Latin 'processus,' which means 'to go forward' or 'advance.'
• In computing, the term began being used in the 1970s as technology advanced and new devices emerged.

Technology

• Modern processors can have multiple cores, allowing them to handle many tasks at once, much like having multiple chefs in a kitchen.
• The first commercially available microprocessor was the Intel 4004, released in 1971, which paved the way for the personal computer revolution.

Pop Culture

• Films like 'The Social Network' and 'Silicon Valley' highlight the influence of processors in shaping the tech industry and culture.
• Video games often showcase the power of processors through graphics and gameplay intensity, influencing how we enjoy entertainment.

Science

• Processors convert binary code (zeros and ones) into actions, which is fundamental to all digital devices.
• The speed of a processor is commonly measured in GHz (gigahertz), indicating how many billion cycles it completes in one second.

Education

• Computer science courses often include topics on processors, teaching students how they function and their architecture.
• Hands-on projects, like building a simple computer, can help students understand how the processor interacts with other parts.

At #6,875 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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• 6872 messenger
• 6873 undesirable
• 6874 behold
• 6875 processor
• 6876 calf
• 6877 borough
• 6878 inferred
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