What is difference between cputime and elapsed time in sql processing context ?

In general computer terms the CPU time is the time spent in the CPU, so it might seem strange that you can spend more time in the CPU then the elapsed time (regular wall clock time), but it is possible depending on how the sql timing is done. Say the computer in question has two CPUs and can split the task so that it runs on both for 2 seconds, then it might record that as 4 CPU seconds, and maybe the elapse time might be close to 2 seconds.