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)