Multitasking

1. Multitasking is the apparent simultaneous performance of two or more tasks by a computer's central processing unit.

See also:

2. Derived from the first sense, multitasking is the colloquial term for a human being's simultaneous handling of multiple tasks. It is a requirement, or at least a useful skill, in many career fields.

See also: Multitasking, Central processing unit, Co-operative multitasking, Computer multitasking, Context switch, Multithreading, Pre-emptive multitasking, Task (computers), Time-sharing