Parallel processing refers to the act of processing multiple tasks simultaneously, often done through the use of multiple processors or cores in a computer system. There are several synonyms for parallel processing, including concurrent processing, simultaneous processing, and multi-processing. These terms all refer to the same concept of breaking down a task into smaller, more manageable parts that can be processed at the same time to increase efficiency and save time. Other related terms include distributed processing and grid computing, which refer to the use of multiple computers or systems working together to complete a task. Regardless of the terminology used, the goal of parallel processing is to optimize performance and increase productivity.