Coprocessor

1 definition found

From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03) [foldoc]:

  coprocessor
       
          Any computer processor which assists the main processor (the
          "{CPU}") by performing certain special functions, usually much
          faster than the main processor could perform them in software.
          The coprocessor often decodes instructions in parallel with


          the main processor and executes only those instructions
          intended for it.
       
          The most common example is a {floating point} coprocessor (or
          "{FPU}"), others are graphics and networking.
       
          (1995-01-05)