CPU

American  

abbreviation

Computers.

1. central processing unit: the key component of a computer system, which contains the circuitry necessary to interpret and execute program instructions.

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CPU British  

abbreviation

1. central processing unit

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CPU Scientific  

1. Abbreviation of central processing unit

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CPU Cultural  

1. An abbreviation for c entral p rocessing u nit. The “brain” of a computer, the CPU is where data manipulation actually takes place. The results of these manipulations are then stored in the computer memory. Microprocessors perform this function in personal computers.

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Etymology

Origin of CPU

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Investors seek Nvidia’s strategy for AI inference amid competition, with CPU server racks expected at Computex in early June.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

He also sees the company’s earnings per share potentially growing about 5.5 times to $9.83 as AI data centers adopt more Arm-based CPUs and as the company sees revenue from its own CPU offerings.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

Federal Trade Commission is launching an antitrust probe into the company over whether it will try to monopolize the CPU market after launching its own chip.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

That effort developed a chip called Graviton that handles traditional CPU needs, and Trainium for AI.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

I scoot CPU off my lap and climb into the back with her.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko

Related Words

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