central processing unit

See synonyms for central processing unit on Thesaurus.com
nounComputers.
  1. CPU.

Origin of central processing unit

1
First recorded in 1965–70
  • Also called central processor.

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British Dictionary definitions for central processing unit

central processing unit

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for central processing unit

central processing unit

  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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