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

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

From MarketWatch • Jun. 25, 2026

Qualcomm unveiled a new road map for its data-center business, with a Dragonfly C1000 CPU that will power Meta’s server fleet.

From MarketWatch • 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

“Agentic AI-driven CPU demand structurally favors AMD in cloud share gains,” Kim wrote.

From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026

CPU is not sure what everyone is excited about.

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

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