processor time

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processor time

The amount of time a process takes to run, given that it has exclusive and uninterrupted use of the CPU. Note that in a modern computer, this would be very unusual, and so the processor time calculation for most processes involves adding up all the small amounts of time the CPU actually spends on the process.

Some systems break processor time down into user time and system time.

Compare wall clock time.

(1998-03-13)