Definition: central processing unit

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

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]

Source: The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (2003-OCT-10) 

central processing unit

   <architecture, processor> (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)