Definition
A Central Processing Unit (CPU), or main processor, is the most powerful component of the electronic circuitry inside a computerized system.
Understanding the Term
It is responsible for carrying out the computational and control operations of all programs. The CPU is made up of the control unit, which executes the instructions, and the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), which performs the calculations and logical operations.
Not just in computers but also in smartphones, nowadays, the CPUs are contained on a single microprocessor chip. On the other hand, multiple processing units on one chip are also common.
Takeaway
The CPU processes essential logic, arithmetic, and input and output operations specified by the instructions of the operating system (OS) of a computer.