(しょりそうち)

しょりそうち
noun
processing unit; processing device
1. processing unit; processing device; processor
A device or subsystem that processes signals, data, or materials. In computing, it refers to a CPU or similar processing component (中央処理装置(ちゅうおうしょりそうち) = CPU). In industry, it refers to a plant or machine that processes a substance, such as a 水処理装置(みずしょりそうち) (water processing unit).
中央(ちゅうおう)処理装置(しょりそうち)
Central processing unit (CPU).
この処理装置(しょりそうち)毎秒(まいびょう)大量(たいりょう)のデータを(あつか)う。
This processing unit handles large volumes of data per second.
工場(こうじょう)には最新(さいしん)廃水(はいすい)処理装置(しょりそうち)導入(どうにゅう)された。
The latest wastewater processing unit was installed at the factory.
この新型(しんがた)コンピュータには、画像(がぞう)処理(しょり)特化(とっか)した処理装置(しょりそうち)搭載(とうさい)されている。
This new model of computer is equipped with a processing unit specialized for image processing.

Composed of 処理(しょり) (processing, handling) and 装置(そうち) (apparatus, device). Used in both computing and industrial contexts, almost always as the second element of a longer compound that specifies what is being processed.

USAGE:
A technical term common in computer-science writing, manufacturing manuals, and specification sheets. Rarely used in casual speech. The exact English translation depends on context: "processing unit" in computing, "processing plant" or "treatment system" in industrial uses.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 中央(ちゅうおう)処理装置(しょりそうち) (CPU): central processing unit
  • 画像(がぞう)処理装置(しょりそうち) (GPU): graphics processing unit
  • 水処理装置(みずしょりそうち): water treatment unit
  • 廃水(はいすい)処理装置(しょりそうち): wastewater treatment unit
  • 排気(はいき)処理装置(しょりそうち): exhaust gas processing unit

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • プロセッサ: processor — katakana loanword, used freely in tech contexts and essentially synonymous with 処理装置(しょりそうち) when referring to CPUs and similar chips
  • 処理(しょり)(): processing machine — a shorter, more industrial-sounding variant
  • 装置(そうち): device, apparatus — a broader term; 処理装置(しょりそうち) is one specific type
  • 設備(せつび): equipment, facilities — broader still, referring to an entire system rather than one device