処理装置(しょりそうち)

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)機(き): 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