processor
gb/pɹˈɑsˌɛsɚ/ us/pɹˈɑsˌɛsɚ/
B1
English
~ 3500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Main computing unit in a device
The main part of a computer that reads and does the instructions.
Usage pattern:
[a/an] processor
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'processor' with 'process', which is the action, not the hardware part.
Synonyms
CPU (Technical term for central processing unit; more specific.)
Antonyms
manual operation (Refers to doing tasks by hand without automated computation.)
Collocations
fast processor
|dual-core processor
|processor speed
|graphics processor
|main processor
Themes
technology
|computers
|science
Examples
- The new laptop has a faster processor than my old one.
- A powerful processor is essential for running complex software.
- The processor handles millions of calculations per second.
- She upgraded her desktop with a new quad-core processor.
Learner examples
- My phone has a fast processor.
- The processor makes the computer work.
- A new processor can make games run better.
- This computer has two processors.
Noun
B1
entity
2
Machine that treats materials
A machine that changes or treats something to make it ready to use.
Usage pattern:
[a/an] processor for [something]
Common mistake:
Some learners think 'food processor' means a person who cooks food, but it is a machine.
Synonyms
machine (General term for a mechanical device; less specific to processing.)
Antonyms
manual tool (A non-powered tool used by hand instead of a processing machine.)
Collocations
food processor
|meat processor
|word processor
|payment processor
Themes
manufacturing
|food
|technology
|work
Examples
- We bought a new food processor for the kitchen.
- The meat processor packages thousands of pounds of beef each day.
- The payment processor handles all credit card transactions.
- This word processor software helps me write documents faster.
Learner examples
- I use a food processor to make soup.
- The meat processor cleans and cuts the meat.
- A payment processor moves money from one account to another.
- The word processor makes writing easy.
Noun
B2
entity
3
Person or company that processes something
A person or company that deals with something to prepare it or make it ready.
Usage pattern:
[a/an] processor of [something]
Synonyms
handler (More informal and general; refers to someone who deals with something.)
Antonyms
customer (In commerce, the recipient rather than the handler of goods or services.)
Collocations
data processor
|loan processor
|claims processor
Themes
business
|industry
|work
Examples
- The data processor ensures all information is correctly entered into the system.
- A loan processor will review your application before approval.
- The claims processor handled hundreds of insurance cases last month.
Learner examples
- The loan processor checks my papers.
- A claims processor works in an office.
- The data processor uses a computer every day.
Grammar
Dictionary form
processor
IPA
GB/pɹˈɑsˌɛsɚ/
US/pɹˈɑsˌɛsɚ/
Syllables & stress
pro - cessor (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (pro)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: processor
- Plural: processors
Word family
Forms
processors
noun
Core family
process
noun B1
processing
noun
Negative and opposite forms
unprocessed
adjective
Advanced or less common
processable
adjective
reprocess
verb
Expressions
food processor
1/fˈud pɹˈɑsˌɛsɚ/
fixed phrase
Electric kitchen appliance for food prep
A machine in the kitchen that cuts, mixes, or makes food smooth.
Examples
- I put the vegetables in the food processor to make soup.
- A good food processor can save you a lot of time in cooking.
payment processor
1/pˈeɪmənt pɹˈɑsˌɛsɚ/
fixed phrase
technical
Company that handles transactions
A business that moves money between people and companies when they pay online or by card.
Examples
- PayPal is one of the largest payment processors in the world.
- Our store uses a secure payment processor for all orders.
word processor
1/wˈɚd pɹˈɑsˌɛsɚ/
fixed phrase
Software for text editing
A computer program you use to write and change text documents.
Examples
- Microsoft Word is a popular word processor.
- I use a word processor to write my reports.