microprocessor

American  

[mahy-kroh-pros-es-er, ‑uh-ser, ‑-proh-ses-er, ‑suh-ser] / ˈmaɪ kroʊˌprɒs ɛs ər, ‑ə sər, ‑ˌproʊ sɛs ər, ‑sə sər /

noun

1. an integrated computer circuit that performs all the functions of a CPU.

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microprocessor British  

/ ˌmaɪkrəʊˈprəʊsɛsə /

noun

1. computing a single integrated circuit performing the basic functions of the central processing unit in a small computer

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microprocessor Scientific  

/ mī′krō-prŏs′ĕs-ər /

1. An integrated circuit that contains a processor, such as a central processing unit.

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Other Word Forms

• microprocessing noun

Etymology

Origin of microprocessor

First recorded in 1965–70; micro- + processor

Compare meaning

How does microprocessor compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• microprocessor vs. integrated circuit

Explanation

Your computer has a number of microprocessors — each one a very small device with integrated circuits built into it that carry out the computer's logical operations. Because a microprocessor is so small, more than one is needed. A microprocessor is a chip inside your computer's central processing unit (CPU) or inside your phone or other mobile or smart device. Each one is something like a mini CPU itself, receiving digital signals, carrying out logical and arithmetic operations, and connecting peripherals (electronic equipment connected by cables) and memory chips. The word microprocessor uses the combining form micro-, from Greek mikros, meaning "small."

Example Sentences

He joined Intel in the 1980s and contributed to the company’s golden era, helping build Intel’s chip factories and mass-produce Intel’s 486 microprocessor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025

The company released memory chips before creating the world’s first commercially available microprocessor and other innovations that made it possible for companies to build more affordable computers.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 1, 2025

Your phone may have more than 15 billion tiny transistors packed into its microprocessor chips.

From Science Daily • Nov. 22, 2023

Instead of designing one big microprocessor with vast numbers of tiny transistors, they conceived of creating one from smaller chips that would be packaged tightly together to work like one electronic brain.

From New York Times • May 11, 2023

These master-regulatory genes work by turning other genes on and off; they can be likened to circuits in a microprocessor.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Related Words

• chip
• circuitry
• microchip
• silicon chip