| Noun | 1. | central processing unit - (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 attachedelectronic equipment - equipment that involves the controlled conduction of electrons (especially in a gas or vacuum or semiconductor) computer hardware, hardware - (computer science) the mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical components making up a computer system computer science, computing - the branch of engineering science that studies (with the aid of computers) computable processes and structures | |