Definition

1. Noun:
   • A computer that uses two or more processing units under integrated control: A multiprocessor is a single computing system that contains multiple central processing units (CPUs) or cores. These processors work together, sharing resources like memory and storage, to execute tasks more efficiently than a single-processor system.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The server is a powerful multiprocessor capable of handling thousands of simultaneous requests.
  • Modern scientific computing often relies on multiprocessor systems to run complex simulations.
  • The performance gain from using a multiprocessor is most noticeable in parallelizable tasks.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In computer architecture, a "multiprocessor" specifically refers to a system with tight coupling between processors, often sharing a common main memory. This distinguishes it from loosely coupled clusters of computers.
  • The design of the operating system is critical for managing resources in a symmetric multiprocessor.

Variants and Related Words

• Multiprocessing (n): The use of two or more processors within a single computer system to execute programs.
  • The software was rewritten to take full advantage of multiprocessing.
• Multicore (adj): Describes a single computing component with two or more independent processing units (cores).
  • Most modern laptops are equipped with multicore processors.

Synonyms

• Parallel computer: A computer with multiple processors for parallel processing.
• Multi-CPU system: A system containing more than one central processing unit.

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs)

• Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP): A multiprocessor architecture where two or more identical processors connect to a single shared main memory.
• Massively Parallel Processor (MPP): A system with a large number of interconnected processors.

Noun

1. a computer that uses two or more processing units under integrated control