A microprocessor is a computer processor that incorporates the functions of a central processing unit on a single integrated circuit (IC), or at most a few ICs. The microprocessor is one of the most complex products ever manufactured; billions of transistors and other electronic components are interconnected on extremely thin layers of silicon in an area no larger than your fingernail.
Microprocessors are used in almost all computers today, from personal computers and workstations to servers, supercomputers, embedded systems, and mobile devices such as smartphones. A few examples of applications that use microprocessors include word processors, spreadsheets, Web browsers, email clients, media players, and video games. Microprocessors can also be found in automobiles (engine control units), appliances (refrigerators and washing machines), industrial robots; aircraft flight controllers; medical electronics; weather instruments; security systems; vending machines and many other places.