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central processing unit

   Also found in: Medical, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.09 sec.
central processing unit
n. Abbr. CPU
The part of a computer that interprets and executes instructions.

central processing unit
Noun
the part of a computer that performs logical and arithmetical operations on the data

central processing unit
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.
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.central processing unitcentral processing unit - (computer science) the part of a computer (a microprocessor chip) that does most of the data processing; "the CPU and the memory form the central part of a computer to which the peripherals are attached"
CPU board, mother board - the main circuit board for a computer
electronic equipment - equipment that involves the controlled conduction of electrons (especially in a gas or vacuum or semiconductor)
computer hardware, hardware - (computer science) the mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical components making up a computer system
computer science, computing - the branch of engineering science that studies (with the aid of computers) computable processes and structures
Translations
Spanish central processing unit n (COMPUT) → unidad f procesadora central; unidad f central de proceso
French central processing unit n (Comput) → unité centrale (de traitement)
German central processing unit central n (Comput) → Zentraleinheit f
Italian central processing unit n (COMPUT) → unità f inv centrale di elaborazione

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The system includes a central processing unit, computer monitor, and microphone, which come on a small cart.
The camera functions as a stand-alone device complete with a central processing unit and Web server.
In the 1950s and early 1960s, engineers would check a computer by setting a radio beside the central processing unit to pick up the electromagnetic signals put out by switching vacuum tubes and, later, transistors.
 
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