(1) To perform mathematical operations or general computer processing. Computers calculate, compare and copy (see
3 C's).
(2) Computer processing power. Starting in the 2000s, compute has become a favorite word for processing power, especially in data centers. For example, "we need more compute" means we need more servers. The term is commonly used to describe processing capability in an AI data center. See
computer power,
AI data center and
training compute.