supercomputer
<computer> A broad term for one of the fastest computers currently
available. Such computers are typically used for number crunching including
scientific simulations, (animated) graphics, analysis of geological data (e.g.
in petrochemical prospecting), structural analysis, computational fluid
dynamics, physics, chemistry, electronic design, nuclear energy research and
meteorology. Perhaps the best known supercomputer manufacturer is Cray Research.
A less serious definition, reported from about 1990 at The University Of New
South Wales states that a supercomputer is any computer that can outperform
IBM's current fastest, thus making it impossible for IBM to ever produce a
supercomputer.
(1996-12-13)
Nearby terms:
superclass « supercombinators « supercompilation «
supercomputer » superhighway » SuperJanet »
SUPERMAC
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