parallel processing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No, not exactly. In computing, multitasking often refers to a single processor rapidly switching between tasks (concurrency), while true parallel processing involves multiple processors or cores executing tasks simultaneously.

No. Some tasks are inherently sequential, where one step depends on the result of the previous step (e.g., following a recipe). These gain little or no benefit. The speed-up is best for tasks that can be broken into independent sub-tasks.

The direct opposite is serial processing or sequential processing, where instructions are executed one after another in a single stream.

Yes, it is used metaphorically in fields like cognitive science (e.g., 'the brain's parallel processing of visual information') and project management (e.g., 'running development and testing in parallel').

A computing method where multiple calculations or processes are carried out simultaneously, rather than sequentially, by dividing tasks among multiple processors.

Parallel processing is usually formal, technical in register.

Parallel processing: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpær.ə.lel ˈprəʊ.ses.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌper.ə.lel ˈprɑː.ses.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.