array processor
vector processor

    (Or "vector processor") A computer, or extension
   to its arithmetic unit, that is capable of performing
   simultaneous computations on elements of an array or table
   of data in some number of dimensions.

   The IBM AltiVec (the "Velocity Engine" used in the Apple
   G4 computers) is a vector processor.

   Common uses for array processors include analysis of fluid
   dynamics and rotation of 3d objects, as well as data
   retrieval, in which elements of a database are scanned
   simultaneously.  Array processors are very rare now (1998).

   <Array presentation>.

   (2003-09-11)