Engineering English
ALU
Electronics Engineering · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: The ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) is a digital circuit that performs arithmetic and logic operations on binary numbers. It is a core component of a central processing unit.
Example in context
“The ALU performs arithmetic and logic operations on binary numbers in a central processing unit.”
“ALU, merkezi işlem biriminde ikili sayılar üzerinde aritmetik ve mantık işlemleri gerçekleştirir.”
Where engineers use it
Central to microprocessor design; executes arithmetic and logic operations. Engineers specify ALU width and operation set. Essential for computer architecture.
Synonyms: arithmetic logic unit
Practice: can you use “ALU” at work?
You are tasked with designing a minimal ALU that performs addition, subtraction, and bitwise AND. Determine the number of control lines needed.
Show a model answer
“The ALU's operation code determines which function it performs.”
“ALU” in 21 languages
| English | ALU |
|---|---|
| Turkish | ALU |
| French | UAL |
| German | ALU |
| Spanish | ALU |
| Chinese | 算术逻辑单元 |
| Arabic | وحدة الحساب والمنطق |
| Portuguese | ULA |
| Russian | АЛУ |
| Japanese | 算術論理演算ユニット |
| Italian | ALU |
| Vietnamese | ALU |
| Hindi | अंकगणित तर्क इकाई |
| Thai | หน่วยคำนวณและตรรกะ |
| Indonesian | ALU |
| Korean | 산술 논리 장치 |
| Bengali | গাণিতিক যুক্তি একক |
| Dutch | ALU |
| Swedish | ALU |
| Finnish | ALU |
| Ukrainian | АЛП |
Frequently asked questions
What does ALU mean in engineering?
The ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) is a digital circuit that performs arithmetic and logic operations on binary numbers. It is a core component of a central processing unit. In Electronics Engineering, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce ALU?
ALU is pronounced /ˌeɪ ɛl ˈjuː/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is ALU used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “The ALU performs arithmetic and logic operations on binary numbers in a central processing unit.”
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