arithmetic logic unit

noun

variants or less commonly arithmetic and logic unit
computing
: a circuit in a computer's central processing unit that performs basic mathematical calculations
… the core of a central processing chip is the arithmetic logic unit or units. These units do basic operations like addition, multiplication and division.New York Times, 23 July 1998
abbreviation ALU

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of arithmetic logic unit was in 1972

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Dictionary Entries Near arithmetic logic unit

Cite this Entry

“Arithmetic logic unit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arithmetic%20logic%20unit. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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