co-processor
nounUK /ˌkəʊˈprəʊsesə/
US /ˌkoʊˈprɑːsesər/
A co-processor is a helper chip that does special jobs for the main computer chip.
The phone's co-processor handles motion data so the main chip can save power.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A dedicated chip that performs floating-point math alongside the main processor.
Early PCs used a math co-processor to speed up calculations.
3. A separate processor that manages a specific task such as graphics or audio.
The graphics co-processor renders images while the CPU runs the game logic.
4. Any secondary processing unit that works with a primary processor in a system.
The sensor co-processor collects data even when the main chip is asleep.