cpu
noun
ˌsē-(ˌ)pē-ˈyü 
often capitalized C&P&U
: the component of a computer system that performs the basic operations (such as processing data) of the system, that exchanges data with the system's memory or peripherals, and that manages the system's other components
called also processor
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Besides unveiling the new chip, Anderson also showed several comparison benchmarks that put the top-end 16-core Ryzen Threadripper 1950X running about 55 percent to 15 percent faster than Intel’s current top-end Core i9-7900X CPU. 
Gordon Mah Ung, PCWorld, 30 July 2017 The chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices, Intel's only real competitor for the CPUs that run personal computers, ran into a wall over the past decade as it got distracted trying to crack the mobile market. Aaron Pressman, Fortune, 28 June 2017 The Aero 15 gives you a 2.8GHz seventh generation Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card. Christopher Null, WIRED, 10 June 2017 The PC benchmarking site of Passmark Software reports tests involving AMD CPUs accounted for almost 26% of all x86-compatible submissions in the latest quarter, up from under 21% in the prior quarter and under 18% in the same quarter a year ago. Aaron Pressman, Fortune, 6 July 2017 On that note, Intel has introduced a new feature that ensures M.2 storage is connected directly to the CPU. Mark Walton, Ars Technica, 4 July 2017 The mannequin was dressed in a deep purple dress with accessories made from computer parts, including a CPU necklace and a USB cable. Domenica Bongiovanni, Indianapolis Star, 1 July 2017 The CPU lives in a sturdy base, from which a single post rises to support the screen. Wired Staff, WIRED, 30 June 2017 The company’s already made a splash this year with its Ryzen and Ryzen Threadripper CPUs. Gordon Mah Ung, PCWorld, 26 June 2017 See More
Gordon Mah Ung, PCWorld, 30 July 2017 The chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices, Intel's only real competitor for the CPUs that run personal computers, ran into a wall over the past decade as it got distracted trying to crack the mobile market. Aaron Pressman, Fortune, 28 June 2017 The Aero 15 gives you a 2.8GHz seventh generation Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card. Christopher Null, WIRED, 10 June 2017 The PC benchmarking site of Passmark Software reports tests involving AMD CPUs accounted for almost 26% of all x86-compatible submissions in the latest quarter, up from under 21% in the prior quarter and under 18% in the same quarter a year ago. Aaron Pressman, Fortune, 6 July 2017 On that note, Intel has introduced a new feature that ensures M.2 storage is connected directly to the CPU. Mark Walton, Ars Technica, 4 July 2017 The mannequin was dressed in a deep purple dress with accessories made from computer parts, including a CPU necklace and a USB cable. Domenica Bongiovanni, Indianapolis Star, 1 July 2017 The CPU lives in a sturdy base, from which a single post rises to support the screen. Wired Staff, WIRED, 30 June 2017 The company’s already made a splash this year with its Ryzen and Ryzen Threadripper CPUs. Gordon Mah Ung, PCWorld, 26 June 2017 See More Word History
Etymology
central processing unit
First Known Use
1962, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
cpu
noun
ˌsē-ˌpē-ˈyü
often capitalized C&P&U
: the part of a computer that does most of the processing of data