parallel

[ par-uh-lel, -luhl ]
/ ˈpær əˌlɛl, -ləl /

adjective

noun

verb (used with object), par·al·leled, par·al·lel·ing or (especially British) par·al·lelled, par·al·lel·ling.

Origin of parallel

1540–50; < Latin parallēlus < Greek parállēlos side by side, equivalent to par- par- + állēlos one another; see allo-, else

SYNONYMS FOR parallel

ANTONYMS FOR parallel

OTHER WORDS FROM parallel

British Dictionary definitions for parallel processing (1 of 2)

parallel processing

noun

the performance by a computer system of two or more simultaneous operations

British Dictionary definitions for parallel processing (2 of 2)

parallel
/ (ˈpærəˌlɛl) /

adjective (when postpositive, usually foll by to)

noun

verb -lels, -leling or -leled (tr)

Word Origin for parallel

C16: via French and Latin from Greek parallēlos alongside one another, from para- 1 + allēlos one another

Scientific definitions for parallel processing

parallel
[ părə-lĕl′ ]

Adjective

Of or relating to lines or surfaces that are separated everywhere from each other by the same distance.

Noun

Any of the imaginary lines encircling the Earth's surface parallel to the plane of the equator, used to represent degrees of latitude. See illustration at longitude.

Cultural definitions for parallel processing

parallel processing

The use of many different computer processors to work on different parts of a problem simultaneously. This is one way of increasing the speed at which computers can work, with each processor working on a part of a larger problem. (Compare serial processing.)

notes for parallel processing

The SETI project recently introduced a parallel processing system that allows individuals to use their personal computers to analyze data and assist in the search for extraterrestrial life.