CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT

Pronunciation (US):

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IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does central processing unit mean? 

• CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (noun)
  The noun CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT has 1 sense:

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

  Familiarity information: CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (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 ("central processing unit" 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 "central processing unit"):

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 ("central processing unit" is a part of...):

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

 Context examples 

The main circuit board housing the central processing unit.

(Central Processing Unit Board Device Component, NCI Thesaurus)