Meaning – The term processor, refers to a functional unit that interprets and executes instructions. A processor consists of at least an instruction control unit and an arithmetic and logic unit.
A processor performs arithmetical, logical, input/output (I/O), and other basic instructions that are passed from an operating system (OS). Most other processes are dependent on the operations of a processor.
The terms processor, central processing unit (CPU), and microprocessor are commonly linked as synonyms. Most people use the word “processor” interchangeably with the term “CPU” nowadays, it is technically not correct since the CPU is just one of the processors inside a personal computer (PC).
Example of usage – “Processors are found in many modern electronic devices, including PCs, smartphones, tablets, and other handheld devices. Their purpose is to receive input in the form of program instructions and execute trillions of calculations to provide the output that the user will interface with.”
