coprocessor

noun

co·​pro·​ces·​sor (ˌ)kō-ˈprä-se-sər How to pronounce coprocessor (audio)
-ˈprō-
: an extra processor in a computer that is designed to perform specialized tasks (such as mathematical calculations)

Examples of coprocessor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There are several accessories meant to extend the Book 8088's capabilities; there's an open socket for an Intel 8087 floating-point coprocessor, a Sound Blaster-compatible sound card accessory from Yamaha, and an external dongle with three slots for ISA expansion cards. Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 19 May 2023 Machine-learning models often run well on modern graphics architectures, but there’s tension in how GPU, CPU, and dedicated AI coprocessors—all of which are relevant to AI performance, depending on its implementation—combine in a consumer product. IEEE Spectrum, 25 Nov. 2022 Ti coprocessor to render even the most graphics-heavy games beautifully. Nikolas Greenwald, Good Housekeeping, 10 Oct. 2022 Presumably the tablet will also have the same Titan M2 security coprocessor as the Pixels. Will Greenwald, PCMAG, 6 Oct. 2022 Some always-on health features can also rely on the machine learning core in the coprocessor, such as activity recognition, sleep tracking, and fall detection, meaning these functions might not cost you as much battery life as before. Wired, 20 July 2022 Intel solved the latter problem with a new AI matrix engine coprocessor. Mark Hachman, PCWorld, 19 Aug. 2021 Hudson suspects that Intel made the change using firmware that runs in the Intel Management Engine, a security and management coprocessor inside the CPU chipset that handles access to the OTP fuses, among many other things. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 14 Nov. 2020 Cartridge coprocessors will sometimes use the ~21MHz CPU oscillator and sometimes include their own oscillators that run at different frequencies. Ars Technica, 1 Apr. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'coprocessor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coprocessor was in 1980

Dictionary Entries Near coprocessor

Cite this Entry

“Coprocessor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coprocessor. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

coprocessor

noun
co·​pro·​ces·​sor kō-ˈpräs-ˌes-ər How to pronounce coprocessor (audio)
-ˈprōs-
: an extra processor in a computer that is designed to perform specialized tasks

More from Merriam-Webster on coprocessor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!