[W/K] :: central processing unit

  central processing unit
       n : (computer science) the part of a computer (a microprocessor
           chip) that does most of the data processing; the CPU and
           the memory form the central part of a computer to which
           the peripherals are attached [syn: CPU, C.P.U., central
           processor, processor, mainframe]

  central processing unit
       
           (CPU, processor) The part of a
          computer which controls all the other parts.  Designs vary
          widely but, in general, the CPU consists of the control
          unit, the arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) and memory
          ({registers, cache, RAM and ROM) as well as various
          temporary buffers and other logic.
       
          The control unit fetches instructions from memory and decodes
          them to produce signals which control the other part of the
          computer.  This may cause it to transfer data between memory
          and ALU or to activate peripherals to perform input or
          output.
       
          A parallel computer has several CPUs which may share other
          resources such as memory and peripherals.
       
          The term "processor" has to some extent replaced "CPU", though
          RAM and ROM are not normally considered as part of a
          processor.  This is particularly true of common modern
          microprocessors though there have been microprocessors which
          include RAM and/or ROM on the same integrated circuit.
       
          The CPU Info Center lists many kinds of CPU.
       
          (1998-10-21)