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

Nvidia on Monday announced chips for PCs that combine a central processing unit with its coveted AI computing capabilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Monday's announcement instead focuses on a new CPU, or central processing unit, which acts like the brain of a personal computer.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

By moving from a traditional central processing unit to a single AMD graphic processing unit, researchers were able to reduce simulation time by 25 times, the companies said.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

The Vera Rubin “platform,” as Nvidia calls it, consists of six chips, including the Vera central processing unit, which Huang said delivers twice the performance per watt “of the world’s most advanced CPUs.”

From MarketWatch • Jan. 5, 2026

Online ——— In this book, it signifies the act of being in direct communication with a remote computer's central processing unit.

From The Online World by De Presno, Odd