word size


word size

(processor)The number of bits that a CPU can process at onetime. Processors with many different word sizes have existedthough powers of two (8, 16, 32, 64) have predominated formany years. A processor's word size is often equal to thewidth of its external data bus though sometimes the bus ismade narrower than the CPU (often half as many bits) toeconomise on packaging and circuit board costs.

word size

The size of the CPU's internal registers. For example, a 32-bit computer has a 32-bit word size. See word.