Crossword Clue Tutor

Reviewed crossword explanation · 3 letters

Computer's central part, briefly crossword clue

Editorially reviewed August 18, 2026

Read the shorthand

Reveal the entry now—or expand the clue first.

3 letters
or use the form and register cue below

Form cue

The three-letter initialism names the central processing unit.

Open the answer and decode the shorthandOne click · no signup

Answer

CPU

How the short form works

“Briefly” signals an abbreviation. CPU expands to central processing unit, commonly described as a computer's central processor.

Solve another clueOpen the pattern-aware solver →

Abbreviation or register signal

“Briefly” indicates an abbreviated answer.

Expanded meaning

Central processing unit, the primary component that executes computer instructions.

Related reviewed clues

The “N” of N.A.A.C.P.: Abbr.The New York Times Crossword · Abbreviation 4 Story of one’s life?The New York Times Crossword · Wordplay 4 Contractor's detail, for shortAbbreviation 4 Opposite of WSWAbbreviation 3

Solve the next clue here.

Paste another clue, add the letters you trust, and keep solving without returning to search.

Open saved clues →
Use ? for each unknown letter.
Optional if the pattern sets it.
How much help?

This independently written explanation is for learning and clue analysis. It is not an official answer key from a crossword publisher.