data processors
data processors
Pronunciation
/ˈdeɪtə ˈprɑːsɛsərz/
da - /ˈdeɪ/ - A diphthong, a glide from the vowel /e/ to the vowel /ɪ/.
ta - /tə/ - A schwa, a vowel sound produced in the central part of the mouth with a neutral tongue position.
pro - /ˈprɑː/ - A low back vowel, similar to the vowel in the word "car."
ces - /sɛ/ - A vowel sound produced with the tongue in a mid-front position, followed by a sibilant consonant.
sors - /sərz/ - A schwa, followed by a rhotic consonant and a voiced sibilant consonant.
Word Form Variations
Singular: data processor
Plural: data processors
Verb: data process
Gerund: data processing
Past Tense: data processed
Adjective: data-processing
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A person or system that collects, organizes, and analyzes raw information. This can be an individual whose job involves working with data, or a computer program or machine designed for this purpose.
Synonyms: data analyst, data scientist, data manager, statistician, computer
Antonyms: (Not directly applicable, as it refers to a specific role or tool)
A device, such as a central processing unit (CPU), that performs operations on data according to a set of instructions.
Synonyms: processor, CPU, microprocessor
Antonyms: (Not directly applicable)
Examples of Use
In a book on computer architecture, the author might discuss how "modern computers, from smartphones to supercomputers, rely on a data processor to perform calculations and manage tasks" (Patterson & Hennessy, Computer Organization and Design, 2017).
A newspaper article might report on a new technology company, stating that it "is seeking skilled data processors to join its analytics team and help them interpret large datasets to predict market trends" (The Wall Street Journal, July 2024).
In an online publication for a technology magazine, a writer could explain a new regulation, writing, "Under the GDPR, companies acting as data processors are required to implement specific security measures to protect the personal information of European citizens" (Wired, June 2023).
On a television show, a character working as a forensic investigator might say, "We need to run this encrypted file through our data processor to see if we can extract any hidden information" (CSI, 2005).
In general public discourse, someone might be talking about their new job and say, "I'm a data processor for a large insurance firm. It's a lot of work, but it's fascinating to see what we can learn from all the customer data we collect."
10 Famous Quotes Using Data processors
"I decided data processors ought to be able to write their programs in English, and the computers would translate them into machine code." (Grace Hopper, 1984)
“The central processing unit is known by other names; the arithmetic and ligical [sic] unit, the main frame, the computer, etc. but we shall refer to it, usually, as the central processing unit.” ( Survey of Data Processors, 1955)
“Data are playing an increasingly important role in our economy. Two bottlenecks prevent optimal functioning of the data economy: external effects and unequal balance of power between data suppliers and data processors.” (CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis, Brave New Data, 2021)
“Data processors aren't calculators that can automatically notice and fix these discrepancies. They're only as smart as the instructions and data they receive, which is why it's crucial to establish a standardized format across your entire company." (DealHub, 2025)
“Any supplier that works on behalf of Marie Curie is one of our data processors. A data processor is any organisation that processes data on behalf of Marie Curie.” (Marie Curie, The Right of Access, 2024)
"We use data processors who are third parties who provide elements of services for us." (5rights Foundation, Privacy Policy, 2024)
"Some experts (generally researchers) leaned towards associating ownership with the data processors." (National Library of Medicine, 2021)
"As the instructions should be detailed, it's worth including them in a separate clause or even an annex to the contract with data processors." (Piwik PRO, 2021)
"Data processors must assist the data controller in helping individuals exercise their data rights." (TermsFeed, GDPR Procedures for Data Controllers and Data Processors, 2023)
"A data processor is basically somebody who processes information pursuant to the controller's instructions, and they are processing it basically on behalf of the controller." (Odia Kagan, 2024)
Etymology
The word "data processors" is a compound term, meaning its etymology is a combination of two separate words: "data" and "processors."
The word "data" comes from the Latin word datum, which means "something given." In its earliest English use, from the 1600s, it had a similar meaning: a single fact or piece of information. Over time, particularly with the rise of computing in the 20th century, the word "data" evolved to refer to a collection of facts or statistics, especially those used for analysis or computation.
The word "processors" is derived from the verb "process," which comes from the Latin word procedere, meaning "to go forward" or "to advance." In English, "process" initially meant a course of action or a series of operations to achieve a particular result. The word "processor" emerged as a noun to describe a person or thing that carries out this series of operations.
The term "data processors" came into common use in the mid-20th century, specifically in the 1950s, with the development of early computers and electronic information systems. It was a natural and logical combination of the two words to describe the machines and people who worked with large amounts of information. The first known uses of the term referred to both the machines (like a central processing unit) and the people whose job it was to input, organize, and analyze data. The term was a clear and concise way to describe a new and specialized field of work that was rapidly becoming essential.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Data processors
The data processors are chugging along. (A phrase to describe that the systems for handling data are working as expected.)
A data processor's delight. (An original phrase to describe a dataset that is clean, well-organized, and easy to work with.)
The gears of the data processors. (An idiom that uses "gears" as a metaphor for the internal workings of a data processing system.)
As precise as a data processor. (A phrase to compliment someone's attention to detail, comparing them to the exactness of a machine.)
Feeding the data processor. (Refers to the act of providing raw information or data to a system or person for analysis.)
You're only as good as your data processors. (A phrase to emphasize the importance of reliable systems or people for handling data.)
A processor of information. (An alternative phrase that replaces "data" with "information" to broaden the scope.)
The data processor's mantra. (An original phrase to refer to a core principle or belief held by those who work with data, such as "garbage in, garbage out.")
To run it through the processor. (A common phrase using the synonym "processor" to describe analyzing information using a computer or system.)
The data processors are on fire. (A phrase to express that the systems or team are working at a high level of efficiency and speed.)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of data processors from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
