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data processor

data processor

1 3.7
A machine or part of a computer that quickly does calculations and handles information automatically
  • noun
  • /ˈdeɪtə ˈprɒsɛsər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : procesador de datos
  • In modern offices, a data processor automates the sorting and organization of large datasets.

Examples

  • All data processors operate at exceedingly fine tolerances, so that any disturbance of the physical system will quickly be evident in the system's output.

    Blog text (21)
  • There is nothing supernatural or anti-materialist about any of this: once data from a range of different sources has been transduced into the system's codes, the data processor is able to manipulate it to achieve an unexpected but rational outcome.

    Blog text (21)
  • The new data processor significantly increased the speed of calculations in our computer system.

  • As technology advances, data processors become faster and more efficient at handling complex information.

Synonyms

computer
vsdata processor
1.0

A machine that processes and stores information using programs

focuses on calculation or manipulation rather than on storage and retrieval
microprocessor
vsdata processor
  • Specialized
17 4.2

A small chip inside a computer that acts like its brain

is a full machine often used as a device rather than only a small chip
computing device
vsdata processor
3 3.7

A machine like a computer or calculator that works with information

is used more for elements inside a larger system than for all small devices
digital computer
vsdata processor
  • Specialized
3 3.7

A machine like a phone or laptop that handles information using the numbers 0 and 1

is not specific to numerical digit representation and can use other formats
electronic computer
vsdata processor
  • Specialized
1 2.4

A machine that uses electricity to work with information and do calculations by itself

is not limited to electronic circuits and can be part of broader systems
information processing system
vsdata processor
  • Specialized
1 4.0

A machine like a computer that stores and uses data

is a single machine or device rather than a whole arrangement
computing machine
vsdata processor
  • Archaic
1 4.4

A machine that does calculations by itself, like an early computer

is the modern generic term used more widely than the older name
central processor
vsdata processor
  • Specialized
1 3.7

The main chip in a computer that does most calculations and controls other parts

is usually a whole machine or device rather than only an internal part

How Powerful

supercomputer
  • Specialized
28 5.5
processor
  • Specialized
64 3.4
data processor
  • Specialized
1 3.7
microcontroller
  • Specialized
3 5.5

Surface Forms

Morphology

data + processor

The compound is largely compositional: a learner who knows 'data' (information) and 'processor' will reasonably infer an entity that processes data. However, the specific legal sense (a person/company/service acting on behalf of a controller under data-protection law) and the possible ambiguity with the hardware sense of 'processor' make the exact meaning not fully predictable to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Data processor comes from early computing rooms where large machines took piles of data like punched cards and numbers and acted as a processor to make reports. Picture a machine that eats raw information and gives out results — that's why the term means a device that automatically works on and changes data.