word size

processor The number of bits that a CPU can process at one

time. Processors with many different word sizes have existed

though powers of two (8, 16, 32, 64) have predominated for

many years. A processor's word size is often equal to the

width of its external data bus though sometimes the bus is

made narrower than the CPU (often half as many bits) to

economise on packaging and circuit board costs.

(1995-04-23)