processor

Everyday

1. A processor is the part of a computer that carries out instructions and does calculations; it is the computer's «brain». tree →
2. A food processor is a kitchen machine that chops, mixes or blends food quickly. tree →
3. A processor is a company or machine that treats or changes materials. tree →

In the lessons

Computing lessons: the processor (CPU) follows program instructions very fast; a faster processor makes a computer or phone quicker. Everyday life: a food processor makes soup, dough or breadcrumbs. Phrases: food processor, computer processor, word processor (a program for writing text).

Examples

• The processor is the brain of the computer. tree →
• My new tablet has a faster processor. tree →
• Mum made breadcrumbs in the food processor. tree →
• We typed our stories on a word processor. tree →
• Keep your fingers away from the food processor blades. tree →
• The processor gets hot when you play games. tree →

Note

Spelled -or, not -er. Countable: a processor, processors. A computer processor does not «think» like a person; it only follows instructions very quickly. Safety: food processors have sharp blades — adults should handle them.