Meaning & use
microprocessor
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountable
A single electronic chip that carries out the main operations of a computer, often called its brain.
Grammar: Countable: a microprocessor, microprocessors. You can say the microprocessor to refer to the one in a particular device.
Patterns
- a microprocessor chip
- the microprocessor in something
- microprocessor technology
The new laptop has a faster microprocessor than the old one.
Microprocessors are used in everything from phones to cars.
He studied how to design a microprocessor at university.
Word forms
| plural | microprocessors |
|---|
Common combinations
- microprocessor chip
- The microprocessor chip is the heart of the computer.
- microprocessor architecture
- They are researching a new microprocessor architecture to improve speed.
- microprocessor technology
- Microprocessor technology has advanced rapidly in the last decade.
- microprocessor-based system
- The car uses a microprocessor-based system to control the engine.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
- microprocessing noun
- The action or process of using microprocessors.
Commonly confused: microprocessor or microplastic?
microprocessor vs microplastic
Microplastic is tiny plastic pollution, while microprocessor is a computer chip. They are not related.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
A microprocessor is a computer chip, so it makes sense to say it helps a phone run apps. Options B and C confuse microprocessor with microplastic, a pollutant. Option D is nonsensical because a microprocessor is not food.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “microprocessor”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.