What does GPU stand for in computing?

The acronym GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit. This term refers to a specialized electronic circuit designed to accelerate the processing of images and graphics. A GPU is particularly effective for rendering complex visual effects, performing calculations related to rendering and shading in computer graphics, and processing large sets of data in parallel, which makes it highly efficient for tasks like gaming, 3D rendering, and machine learning.

The term emphasizes its primary function—processing graphics. Its architecture allows it to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, which is essential for creating the high-speed visual content required in modern applications. This capability has made GPUs integral not just in the realm of gaming, but also in professional graphics work, data science, and artificial intelligence, where large volumes of data need to be processed quickly.