processor

American  

[pros-es-er, proh-ses-] / ˈprɒs ɛs ər, ˈproʊ sɛs- /

Sometimes processer

noun

1. a person or thing that processes.

2. Computers.

   1. a controller, the key component of a computing device that contains the circuitry necessary to interpret and execute electrical signals fed into the device.

   2. a computer.

3. food processor.

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processor British  

/ ˈprəʊsɛsə /

noun

1. computing another name for central processing unit

2. a person or thing that carries out a process

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processor Scientific  

/ prŏs′ĕs′ər,prō′sĕs′- /

1. A part of a computer, such as the central processing unit, that performs calculations or other manipulations of data.

2. A program that translates another program into a form acceptable by the computer being used.

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Etymology

Origin of processor

First recorded in 1905–10; process + -or ²

Explanation

A processor is a person or machine that goes through certain procedures to achieve a particular result. A milk processor milks cows, stores the milk, pasteurizes it, and bottles it before you buy it a store. There are many different kinds of processors, but what they all have in common is going through a process, a series of specific steps, to accomplish something. The food processor in your kitchen quickly dices pounds of onions, a task that would take considerable work to complete by hand. A word processor does the same for writing, allowing you to easily edit text. Computer processors control and move vast amounts of data. The Latin root means "advance or progress."

Example Sentences

Apple silicon employs what’s called “unified memory,” which puts the main processor, graphics card and RAM on a single chip, reducing lag and increasing bandwidth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Broadcom’s appeal stems from extended AI processor deals and a valuation of 22 times 2027 earnings, below the 28 times AI chip average.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

Broadcom has clinched a series of extended AI processor design deals, while Marvell is riding enthusiasm about optical-networking components.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

JBS, the largest beef processor in the U.S., said the new labor deal, which runs through April 2028, is mostly the same as the one it presented to the union months ago.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

When the food processor hit the wall, the putrid batch of peanut butter splattered.

From "A Tangle of Knots" by Lisa Graff