cpu
noun
Simple meaning
The part of a computer that fetches, decodes and executes instructions from memory, possibly through a cache.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
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IPA pronunciation (US)
ˈsipu
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
noun
computingslang
The main computer case containing the central components of a personal computer.
computer hardware
The part of a computer that fetches, decodes and executes instructions from memory, possibly through a cache.
video games
Any character or entity controlled by the game software.
Word at a Glance
- Difficulty
- B1 · Intermediate (estimated)
- Frequency
- Common
- Typical Use
- Varies by meaning
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
Aura for this meaning
This meaning: The main computer case containing the central components of a personal computer.
Used this way, cpu is a reasonably familiar word that usually carries little praise or criticism of its own. This is a computing use: it carries a fixed technical meaning inside software and systems work.
- Emotional tone
- Neutral
- Formality
- Very casual
- Intensity
- Not strongly marked
- How common
- Moderately common
- Connotation
- Playful
- Usage feel
- Playful and informal
Where it naturally appears
- Technology
- Technical/specialist writing
- Business/professional
Usage note
Slang: natural in speech and messages between friends, but out of place in school, work or published writing.
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
More ways to use cpu
- “The CPU and the memory form the central part of a computer to which the peripherals are attached.”noun
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Common Patterns and Combinations
How this word naturally appears with others.
Similar Words, What’s the Difference?
Close in meaning, but not always interchangeable.
A device which processes, which changes something (a computer processor, food processor, etc.).
A large digital computer serving 100-400 users and occupying a special air-conditioned room.
The part of a computer (a microprocessor chip) that does most of the data processing.
Word Family
Related forms, grouped by how they connect.
Compound terms
Established multiword terms.
The main circuit board for a computer.
More about this wordSynonyms, forms, origin
Synonyms
Sense: main computer case containing the central components of a personal computer
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Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.