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

Morgan Stanley analysts believe Advanced Micro Devices is well-positioned for AI-driven CPU demand amid rising memory prices.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

The next phase of AI is likely to be less about one chip and more about the full stack needed to scale AI, from CPU, GPU, memory to networking and servers, she says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Since IBM chose an Intel CPU for its first PC in 1980, chips based around the x86 architecture have run Microsoft DOS and Windows PCs.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

The RTX Spark, combining a CPU and Blackwell GPU, is described as “the most efficient PC chip ever built.”

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

CPU scrambles into her bed in the front and I climb in next to her.

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

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