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)