central processing unit
noun
plural central processing units
: the component of a computer system that performs the system's basic operations (such as processing data), that exchanges data with the system's memory or peripherals, and that manages the system's other components : cpu
Examples of central processing unit in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the central processing unit of your desktop, transistors are assembled into different types of logic gates—AND, OR, XOR, and the like—each of which evaluates two binary inputs.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 29 May 2017
Maybe most importantly, unlike the central processing unit (CPU) and GPU, NPUs do not detract from the user experience on the device.
—Elise London, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
The chip’s central processing unit, or CPU, has 10 cores — a measure of computing power — up from eight in the M3 MacBook Air.
—Bloomberg News, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2025
Mark Stanley of New Mexico Tech installs the central processing unit for a new interferometer near Säntis Tower.
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 July 2019
See All Example Sentences for central processing unit
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
IEEE Spectrum, 29 May 2017
Maybe most importantly, unlike the central processing unit (CPU) and GPU, NPUs do not detract from the user experience on the device.
—Elise London, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
The chip’s central processing unit, or CPU, has 10 cores — a measure of computing power — up from eight in the M3 MacBook Air.
—Bloomberg News, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2025
Mark Stanley of New Mexico Tech installs the central processing unit for a new interferometer near Säntis Tower.
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 July 2019
See All Example Sentences for central processing unit
Cite this Entry
“Central processing unit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/central%20processing%20unit. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share