
Central processing unit - Wikipedia
The "central processing unit" term has been in use since as early as 1955. [12][13] Since the term "CPU" is generally defined as a device for software (computer program) execution, the earliest …
Central processing unit (CPU) | Definition & Function | Britannica
Jan 6, 2026 · central processing unit (CPU), principal part of any digital computer system, generally composed of the main memory, control unit, and arithmetic-logic unit. It constitutes …
What Is a Central Processing Unit (CPU)? | Coursera
Jul 14, 2025 · The central processing unit, also known as a CPU, processor, microprocessor, or computer processor, is a small yet crucial piece of hardware found in computing devices such …
What is a central processing unit (CPU)? - IBM
The central processing unit (CPU) is the invisible manager inside the computer where data input is transformed into information output.
What Is a CPU, and What Does It Do? - How-To Geek
Oct 28, 2024 · The most important part of your computer, if you had to choose just one, would be the central processing unit (CPU). It's the primary hub (or "brain"), and it processes the …
What Is CPU (Central Processing Unit)? - Computer Hope
Dec 23, 2025 · Alternately called a processor, central processor, or microprocessor, the CPU (pronounced sea-pea-you) is the central processing unit of the computer. A computer's CPU …
What is a Central Processing Unit? – Arm®
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the primary component of a computer that acts as its “control center.” The CPU, also referred to as the “central” or “main” processor, is a complex …
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
Jan 4, 2026 · The meaning of CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT is the component of a computer system that performs the system's basic operations (such as processing data), that exchanges …
CPU Definition - What is a CPU (Central Processing Unit)?
Jul 11, 2014 · CPU Definition - What is a CPU (Central Processing Unit)? Stands for "Central Processing Unit." The CPU is the primary component of a computer that processes …
What is a CPU? Here’s everything you need to know
Oct 3, 2024 · One component term you may have encountered is “CPU,” which stands for “ central processing unit.” CPUs reside in almost all devices you own, whether it’s a smartwatch, …