microprocessor

the term 'microprocessor' is a modern compound, coined in the late 20th century with the advent of integrated circuit technology. the first element, 'micro-', derives from the greek 'mikros', meaning 'small', and was adopted into scientific vocabulary to denote extreme minuteness. the second element, 'processor', originates from the latin 'procedere' (to go forward), evolving through 'processus' to signify a series of operations. thus, a microprocessor is literally a 'small processor', describing the revolutionary miniaturization of a computer's central processing unit onto a single, tiny silicon chip.

Structure: micro (small) + processor (processor) micro: from greek 'mikros', meaning 'small'. functions as a combining form denoting smallness or magnification. processor: from latin 'processus', meaning 'a going forward, progress', via the verb 'procedere' (to go forward). in modern english, it denotes a machine or person that processes something.