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

“We see Arm as one of the most prominent beneficiaries of the rising server CPU tide,” BofA analyst Vivek Arya wrote.

From Barron's • Jun. 24, 2026

Qualcomm unveiled a new road map for its data-center business, with a Dragonfly C1000 CPU that will power Meta’s server fleet.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 24, 2026

And indeed, AI agents use more CPU computing power, playing into Intel’s strength as a major supplier of those chips.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026

“Agentic AI-driven CPU demand structurally favors AMD in cloud share gains,” Kim wrote.

From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026

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

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

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