GPU
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
Stands for Graphics Processing Unit. This is the hardware in your computer that does the heavy work for video games and high-quality images.
Abbreviation for Graphics Processing Unit. A specialized processor designed to accelerate graphics rendering; it is now also widely used for parallel processing in artificial intelligence and scientific computing.
Simple“Modern video games require a powerful GPU to run smoothly at high settings.”
In context“The latest workstation is equipped with a high-end GPU to handle the intensive parallel processing required for real-time 3D rendering and machine learning.”
UsageUsually used as a countable noun; often functions as a modifier before another noun like 'driver' or 'performance'.
Teacher's tipWhile technically the 'GPU' is just the chip, in casual conversation people often use it to refer to the entire graphics card.
Synonymsgraphics cardvideo card - 02 C1 Advanced
Stands for Ground Power Unit. It is a machine that provides electricity to an airplane while it is parked at the airport.
Abbreviation for Ground Power Unit. A mobile power source used to supply electrical energy to an aircraft while it is stationary on the ground, allowing systems to run without the engines.
Simple“The ground crew connected the GPU to the plane so the lights and air conditioning could stay on.”
In context“Before the main engines are started, the aircraft relies on a GPU for its electrical requirements during the pre-flight checks and passenger boarding.”
UsageTypically used in aviation and engineering contexts.
Teacher's tipThis is a highly specialized term; unless your students are in the aviation industry, they are unlikely to encounter it.
Synonymspower supply - 03 C2 Proficiency
Stands for State Political Directorate. This was the name of the secret police in the early Soviet Union.
Abbreviation for Gosudarstvennoye Politicheskoye Upravlenie (State Political Directorate). The intelligence service and secret police of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic from 1922 to 1934.
Simple“Historians study how the GPU monitored citizens during the early years of the Soviet Union.”
In context“The GPU was eventually absorbed into the NKVD as the Soviet state apparatus became increasingly centralized under Stalin.”
UsageUsed as a proper noun in historical contexts.
Teacher's tipThis sense is purely historical and will only be found in academic texts or history books regarding the USSR.
Synonymssecret police
From Russian Государственное Политическое Управление (Gosudarstvennoje Političeskoje Upravlenije).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.