CPU

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does CPU mean? 

• CPU (noun)
  The noun CPU has 1 sense:

1. (computer science) the part of a computer (a microprocessor chip) that does most of the data processing

  Familiarity information: CPU used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CPU (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(computer science) the part of a computer (a microprocessor chip) that does most of the data processing

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

C.P.U.; central processing unit; central processor; CPU; mainframe; processor

Context example:

the CPU and the memory form the central part of a computer to which the peripherals are attached

Hypernyms ("CPU" is a kind of...):

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)

Meronyms (parts of "CPU"):

CPU board; mother board (the main circuit board for a computer)

Domain category:

computer science; computing (the branch of engineering science that studies (with the aid of computers) computable processes and structures)

Holonyms ("CPU" is a part of...):

computer; computing device; computing machine; data processor; electronic computer; information processing system (a machine for performing calculations automatically)

 Context examples 

A computer interface designed to control the interaction between a CPU and a peripheral device.

(Driver Device Component, NCI Thesaurus)

Designs vary widely but, in general, the CPU consists of the control unit, the arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) and memory (registers, cache, RAM and ROM) as well as various temporary buffers and other logic.

(Central Processing Unit of Computer Device Component, NCI Thesaurus)