word processor

This term encompasses both the software application and the dedicated hardware devices used for text manipulation. In modern usage, it almost exclusively refers to software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, whereas in a historical or technical context, it may refer to the standalone electronic machines popular in the late 20th century.

Because it describes a tool for production, it is frequently paired with verbs of utility such as "install," "run," or "operate." It is distinct from a "text editor," which typically refers to a simpler program that does not handle complex formatting like margins, fonts, or page layouts.