processor
UK: ˈprəʊsesə | US: ˈprɑːsesər
n. a machine or device that processes something (e.g., data, food, materials)
n. (computing) the central unit of a computer that performs operations
n. a person or company that performs industrial or commercial processing
The word "processor" combines "process," derived from Latin processus (meaning "progress" or "advancement"), with the agentive suffix "-or," indicating a person or thing that performs an action. Originally used in general contexts (e.g., food processors), it gained prominence in computing to describe the central processing unit (CPU), reflecting its role in executing computational tasks. The morphemes retain their original spelling and logical division, making the term transparent for learners.
The food processor chopped vegetables in seconds.
Modern computers rely on a multi-core processor for efficiency.
The company acts as a payment processor for online transactions.
This processor handles complex calculations seamlessly.
She upgraded her laptop’s processor for better performance.