Parallel - Definition and Overview

The term Parallel has a number of important meanings:

• Parallel (geometry) occurs in geometry. If two lines or planes are parallel, then every point on one is located exactly the same minimum distance from the other line or plane.
• A parallel is a circle of latitude.
• Parallel computing is the simultaneous execution of the same task (split up and specially adapted) on multiple processors in order to obtain faster results.
• In electronics, components are said to be "in parallel" if current branches to flow through both simultaneously, as against "in series" where the current flows through first one, then the other, along a single path.
• A data link or port is said to be parallel if bits are transmitted simultaneously on separate wires, as opposed to serial if bits are transmitted consecutively on a single wire. See serial communications.
• Parallel importation
• Parallel parking
• Parallel postulate
• Parallel programming
• Parallel transport
• Parallel universe
• Parallel study
• Parallel trenches in siege warfare are the trenches dug by besiegers in a generally parallel direction to the front of a stronghold chosen for attack.
• Parallel highways, for example, U.S. Highway 60 parallels Interstate 64 in places