CPU (central processing unit)

[/ˌsiː piː ˈjuː/ or /ˈsen.trəl ˈprɑː.ses.ɪŋ ˈjuː.nɪt/]
nounfemininepl: CPUs or unidade central de processamento (invariable)
CPU (unidade central de processamento)
1. The primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing functions and executes instructions from programs
The CPU is the brain of the computer, responsible for executing all instructions.
A CPU é o cérebro do computador, responsável pela execução de todas as instruções.
2. The electronic circuit that interprets and carries out instructions from a computer program
A modern CPU can process billions of operations per second.
Uma CPU moderna pode processar bilhões de operações por segundo.
In Brazil, both 'CPU' (as an acronym) and 'processador' are commonly used in technical and commercial contexts, with 'processador' being more accessible to general audiences. The English term CPU is widely adopted in the Brazilian tech industry. In Portugal, 'CPU' is the standard technical term. The acronym has become so universally accepted that it is often used without explanation in both countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
processorcentral processormicroprocessorprocessadorunidade central de processamento

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
CPU or processador or unidade central de processamento
All three terms are commonly used in technical contexts; CPU is most frequent in computing
São Paulo
CPU or processador
Preferred in tech industry hubs; English term CPU widely adopted
Rio de Janeiro
processador
More common in general usage than the acronym CPU
Portugal
CPU or processador central or unidade de processamento central
CPU is standard in technical Portuguese; local terms less common than in Brazil

Related Words

GPU (graphics processing unit)motherboardRAM (random access memory)clock speedcoresthreadscacheinstruction set

Related Idioms & Phrases

the brain of the computer
o cérebro do computador
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