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
The average power density began modestly and grew slowly from 3 kilowatts (kW) per rack to around 10 kW as their central processing units (CPUs) became more powerful.
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Steven Carlini, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
The original list of tariff exemptions included some semiconductor products -- including central processing units konwn as CPUs.
—Arkansas Online, 10 Apr. 2025
They are often paired with a central processing unit (CPU) — a market dominated by Intel and AMD.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 19 May 2025
Illustration of the China and U.S. flag on a central processing unit.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for central processing unit
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Steven Carlini, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
The original list of tariff exemptions included some semiconductor products -- including central processing units konwn as CPUs.
—Arkansas Online, 10 Apr. 2025
They are often paired with a central processing unit (CPU) — a market dominated by Intel and AMD.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 19 May 2025
Illustration of the China and U.S. flag on a central processing unit.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 7 May 2025
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 14 Jun. 2025.
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