central processing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "central processing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of organizing and understanding information, or to describe a computer's core processing functions. For example, you could say "The central processing unit helps coordinate and manage all data sent to a computer."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The machine uses a core of eight central processing units, and a six teraflop graphics processor.

The Guardian - Tech

Lenovo has long exclusively used central processing units made by Intel, the world's biggest chip maker, in its PC's.

The New York Times

(A C.P.U., for central processing unit, is simply a computer).

The New York Times - Science

"There's an interplay of central processing and muscular exertion".

The New York Times - Magazine

That taskmaster central processing unit is a PortalPlayer chip.

The New York Times - Magazine

A. Upgrading the computer's central processing unit, orC.P.U.

The New York Times - Tech

But the iMac has the central processing unit behind the screen, while PCs have separate units.

The Guardian

The control unit of the central processing unit regulates and integrates the operations of the computer.

Britannica

Microprocessors typically contain the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer.

Britannica

The body never reached the central processing hub at the Department of Forensic Sciences.

The Washington Post

McGuigan was taken to the police's central processing unit pending a hearing.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about computers, use "central processing" to refer to the CPU's function, but for biological systems, consider "information processing" or "cognitive processing" for better specificity.

Common error

Avoid using "central processing" loosely in contexts where simpler terms like "organization" or "management" would suffice. Reserve it for discussions where the specific processing of information is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central processing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used adjectivally to describe a process or unit. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe core functions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "central processing" is grammatically correct and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It commonly refers to core functions in computers and biological systems. The phrase is most frequently found in scientific and news media contexts. When writing, it's crucial to consider the specific context: use it to describe the CPU's function in computing, but consider alternatives like "information processing" for biological contexts. Avoid overuse in non-technical writing for clarity. The phrase is generally well-regarded and appears in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Britannica.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core processing

Focuses on the essential or main processing activities.

main processing

Highlights the primary or most important processing.

primary processing

Emphasizes the initial or fundamental processing stages.

data processing

Specifically relates to the processing of data.

information processing

Refers to the processing of information.

cognitive processing

Focuses on the mental processes involved in processing information.

system processing

Refers to the processing within a system.

nerve processing

Specific to the nervous system's information handling.

secretory pathway processing

Processing related to the movement of molecules in cells.

sensory processing

Processing of sensory input.

FAQs

What does "central processing" mean in the context of computers?

In computing, "central processing" typically refers to the function of the "central processing unit" (CPU), which executes instructions and performs calculations.

How is "central processing" used in biology?

In biology, "central processing" can refer to how the brain or nervous system handles and interprets sensory information or other stimuli. It can also refer to secretory pathway processing.

What are some alternatives to "central processing"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "core processing", "data processing", or "information processing".

Is "central processing" the same as "data processing"?

While related, "central processing" is a broader term. "Data processing" specifically refers to the manipulation of data, whereas "central processing" can encompass various types of information handling, not just data. In secretory pathway "secretory pathway processing" is different than data processing.