Definition

Noun: - A computing method: The simultaneous execution of multiple tasks or processes by two or more central processing units (CPUs) or cores within a single computer system. This technique is used to increase computational speed and efficiency.

Usage

• This term is primarily used in the context of computer science, high-performance computing, and data analysis.
• It describes a system's capability to perform concurrent operations.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Fine-grained parallel processing": Refers to breaking down a task into very small sub-tasks that are executed concurrently, often at the instruction level.
• "Massively parallel processing (MPP)": Describes systems that use a very large number of processors (often thousands) to work on different parts of a single program simultaneously.

Variants and Related Words

• Parallel processor (n): The hardware unit (e.g., a multi-core CPU, a GPU, or a computing cluster) that performs parallel processing.
• Parallelism (n): The general concept or state of performing operations in parallel.
• Parallelize (v): To adapt a program or algorithm so it can be executed using parallel processing.

Synonyms

• Concurrent processing: Simultaneous execution of processes that may interact with each other.
• Multiprocessing: Using two or more processors within a single computer system (a common method to achieve parallel processing).

Related Phrases

• "Embarrassingly parallel": A term for a problem that can be easily divided into many independent, parallel tasks with little need for coordination.
• "Parallel computing": The broader field of study and use of parallel processing systems and algorithms.

Noun

1. simultaneous processing by two or more processing units