central processing unit

American  

noun

Computers.

1. CPU.

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central processing unit British  

noun

1.  CPU.  the part of a computer that performs logical and arithmetical operations on the data as specified in the instructions

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central processing unit Scientific  

1. The part of a computer that interprets and carries out instructions provided by the software. It tests and manipulates data, and transfers information to and from other components, such as the working memory, disk drive, monitor, and keyboard. The central processing units of personal computers are generally implemented on a single chip, called a microprocessor.

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Etymology

Origin of central processing unit

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

In a revolutionary breakthrough, these data-center chips no longer act independently like the central processing unit in your laptop.

From The Wall Street Journal

Over the past few years, Intel has lost ground in both the personal-computer and server central processing unit markets, largely due to sub-par chips compared to similar offerings from AMD and Arm.

From Barron's

A readout of the machine's central processing unit "indicated that the escalator had stopped after a built-in safety mechanism on the comb step was triggered at the top of the escalator", he added.

From BBC

I do not see my patients as an assemblage of data points in the way that they, perhaps, do not see me as merely a central processing unit in the flesh.

From Salon

The company said the Azure Cobalt 100 central processing unit, the software giant’s first in-house processor, is available in preview starting Tuesday for customers of the Azure cloud-computing service.

From Seattle Times