microprocessor

noun

mi·​cro·​pro·​ces·​sor ˌmī-krō-ˈprä-ˌse-sər How to pronounce microprocessor (audio)
-ˈprō-
: a computer processor contained on an integrated-circuit chip
also : such a processor with memory and associated circuits

Examples of microprocessor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The electromechanical movement is equipped with a microprocessor specially designed to conserve energy. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2024 East Asian manufacturers such as Taiwan’s TSMC and South Korea’s Samsung have emerged as leaders, with a near-complete duopoly on the advanced microprocessors that power high-consumption tech like virtual reality and artificial intelligence. Dylan Sloan, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2024 After several years working in engineering, including as a microprocessor designer, Huang cofounded Nvidia in 1993 at another roadside Denny’s in East San Jose—while eating, not serving. Jane Thier, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2024 This act of collegial generosity coincided with microprocessor revolution, so that professors, budding programmers and emerging computer companies had a free, easy-to-use language to utilize. Michael S. Rosenwald, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2024 Consider also the case of Gilbert Hyatt, inventor of the first single-chip microprocessor back in 1990. K. Lloyd Billingsley, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024 But the reality proved to be much different from the theory as microprocessors activated, deactivated, and reactivated cylinders as driving conditions rapidly changed, causing the car to hesitate, buck, and stall. Larry Printz, Ars Technica, 4 Oct. 2023 The modern Qualcomm processor was designed for performance and has the benefit of 20 years of advancement in microprocessor technology. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 29 Jan. 2024 The Netherlands has blocked chip-equipment manufacturer ASML’s exports to China of some lithography systems, which are essential to making advanced microprocessors, in a partial license revocation following U.S. export restrictions. Sherry Qin, WSJ, 2 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'microprocessor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of microprocessor was in 1969

Dictionary Entries Near microprocessor

Cite this Entry

“Microprocessor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microprocessor. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

microprocessor

noun
mi·​cro·​pro·​ces·​sor ˌmī-krō-ˈpräs-ˌes-ər How to pronounce microprocessor (audio)
-ˈprōs-
: a cpu contained on an integrated-circuit chip

More from Merriam-Webster on microprocessor

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