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
Sensor data must be transmitted to a central processing unit, analyzed, and then converted into motor commands.
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Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Dec. 2025
In contrast, central processing units (CPUs) used in traditional non-AI data centers are typically replaced every five to seven years, the experts said.
—Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
Whereas others in the contest used central processing units for their applications, AlexNet reliance on GPUs provided incredible accuracy and obliterated its competition.
—Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2025
Multiverse’s core business is compressing open-source LLMs with such extreme shrinkage that most of its versions can run on CPUs, or central processing units, of the kind used in smartphones and regular computers, rather than GPUs, or graphics processing units.
—Vivienne Walt, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
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Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Dec. 2025
In contrast, central processing units (CPUs) used in traditional non-AI data centers are typically replaced every five to seven years, the experts said.
—Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
Whereas others in the contest used central processing units for their applications, AlexNet reliance on GPUs provided incredible accuracy and obliterated its competition.
—Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2025
Multiverse’s core business is compressing open-source LLMs with such extreme shrinkage that most of its versions can run on CPUs, or central processing units, of the kind used in smartphones and regular computers, rather than GPUs, or graphics processing units.
—Vivienne Walt, Fortune, 9 Oct. 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 2 Jan. 2026.
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