speculative execution

1 definition found

speculative execution - Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (26 May 2007) :

  speculative execution
  
     <processor> A technique allows a superscalar processor to
     keep its functional units as busy as possible by executing
     instructions before it is known that they will be needed.
  
     The Intel P6 uses speculative execution.
  
     Compare branch prediction, speculative evaluation.
  
     (1995-05-05)