CPU
/ˌsiː.piːˈjuː/noun
An electronic component that interprets and executes instructions in a computer.
Did you know?Although CPU sounds purely modern, its expanded form combines roots ultimately connected to ideas of a central point, moving forward, and unity—ancient concepts repurposed for machine intelligence.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kent-
“To prick or pierce; the source of the idea of a pointed center.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
kéntрон
“A sharp point, goad, or center; the ancestor of “central.””
Classical Latin
Latin
centrum
“The central point of a circle or figure.”
Classical Latin
Latin
procedere
“To go forward or advance; the root of “process.””
Classical Latin
Latin
ūnitās
“Oneness or unity; the root of “unit.””
20th Century
English
central processing unit
“The central component responsible for processing a computer’s instructions.”
1960s–Modern English
English
CPU
“The established abbreviation for central processing unit, pronounced as the names of its three letters.”