A1 noun Neutral

microprocessor

/ˌmaɪkroʊˈproʊsesər/

A microprocessor is a very small computer chip that acts as the brain of an electronic device. It processes information and controls how the device works by following sets of instructions.

Examples

3 of 5
1

My smartphone has a very fast microprocessor that allows me to play games smoothly.

My smartphone has a very fast microprocessor that allows me to play games smoothly.

2

The engineers are developing a more efficient microprocessor to reduce energy consumption.

The engineers are developing a more efficient microprocessor to reduce energy consumption.

3

I wonder what kind of microprocessor they put in this new gadget.

I wonder what kind of microprocessor they put in this new gadget.

Word Family

Noun
microprocessor
Verb
process
Adjective
microprocessed
Related
microelectronics
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'micro' meaning 'very small' and 'processor' like a 'worker' that processes information. It's a tiny worker inside your machine.

Quick Quiz

The ______ is the tiny brain of the computer that handles all the instructions.

Correct!

The correct answer is: microprocessor

Examples

1

My smartphone has a very fast microprocessor that allows me to play games smoothly.

everyday

My smartphone has a very fast microprocessor that allows me to play games smoothly.

2

The engineers are developing a more efficient microprocessor to reduce energy consumption.

formal

The engineers are developing a more efficient microprocessor to reduce energy consumption.

3

I wonder what kind of microprocessor they put in this new gadget.

informal

I wonder what kind of microprocessor they put in this new gadget.

4

The study examines the architecture of the modern microprocessor in high-performance computing.

academic

The study examines the architecture of the modern microprocessor in high-performance computing.

5

Due to the global shortage, the price of each microprocessor has increased significantly.

business

Due to the global shortage, the price of each microprocessor has increased significantly.

Word Family

Noun
microprocessor
Verb
process
Adjective
microprocessed
Related
microelectronics

Common Collocations

modern microprocessor modern microprocessor
high-speed microprocessor high-speed microprocessor
embedded microprocessor embedded microprocessor
microprocessor design microprocessor design
dual-core microprocessor dual-core microprocessor

Common Phrases

microprocessor-controlled

microprocessor-controlled

microprocessor technology

microprocessor technology

8-bit microprocessor

8-bit microprocessor

Often Confused With

microprocessor vs microchip

A microchip is a general term for any integrated circuit, while a microprocessor is a specific type of chip that performs computing functions.

microprocessor vs CPU

CPU refers to the primary functional unit of a computer; a microprocessor is the physical chip that contains the CPU.

📝

Usage Notes

Use this word when talking specifically about the internal electronic components of computers, cars, or appliances. It is a technical term but common in discussions about technology performance.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'microprocessor' to refer to the entire computer or the monitor, but it only refers to the small internal chip.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'micro' meaning 'very small' and 'processor' like a 'worker' that processes information. It's a tiny worker inside your machine.

📖

Word Origin

From the Greek 'mikros' meaning small, and the Latin 'processus' meaning a going forward or advancement.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural: microprocessors Often used as a modifier: microprocessor speed
🌍

Cultural Context

The invention of the microprocessor in the 1970s is considered the starting point of the Digital Age and personal computing revolution.

Quick Quiz

The ______ is the tiny brain of the computer that handles all the instructions.

Correct!

The correct answer is: microprocessor

More science words

energy

A1

Energy is the power that comes from things like electricity, coal, or the sun to make machines work or provide heat. It also describes the physical and mental strength that people have to be active and do things.

gravity

A1

Gravity is the natural force that pulls objects toward each other, especially toward the center of the Earth. It is what makes things fall to the ground and keeps us from floating away into space.

friction

A1

Friction is the force that happens when two surfaces rub against each other. It makes it harder for things to move and can create heat.

inertia

A1

Inertia is the tendency of an object to stay still or keep moving in the same way unless a force changes it. In a general sense, it also refers to a lack of energy or a desire to stay unchanged.

frequency

A1

Frequency is how often something happens in a certain amount of time. In science, it describes the number of times a wave or signal repeats every second.

atomic

A1

Atomic relates to the very small parts called atoms that make up everything in the world. It is often used to describe science, energy, or very small things.

solvent

A1

A substance, usually a liquid, that is used to dissolve another substance to create a mixture. In science, it is the part of a solution that is present in the largest amount.

reduction

A1

A reduction is when something becomes smaller in size, amount, or importance. In science, it can also mean a chemical reaction where a substance gains electrons.

organic chemistry

A1

Organic chemistry is the branch of science that studies chemicals containing carbon. It explains how living things are made and how materials like medicine and plastic are created.

inorganic

A1

An inorganic substance is something that does not come from living things, such as plants or animals. In science, it refers to chemicals and minerals like salt, water, and metals that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free