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

See Examples For:

CPU

Intel said on its prior earnings call that it had improved CPU output at its factories after finding itself in an undersupply earlier this year, but noted that demand is continuing to outstrip supply.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 22, 2026

A marquee hyperscaler choosing a brand-new server CPU is no small thing.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 25, 2026

The UBS analyst team is in the camp that believes Arm’s internal CPU revenue will grow to around $14 billion by 2030.

From Barron's ● 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

I do my best to act normal, but when CPU brings back her toy, Ray doesn’t throw it again.

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

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