A microprocessor is an integrated circuit that contains the functions of a central processing unit (CPU) of a computer. It is a small electronic device that performs the basic arithmetic, logical, control, and input/output (I/O) operations of a computer system. The microprocessor is often referred to as the "brain" of a computer as it executes instructions and processes data to perform various tasks. It is responsible for executing software instructions, performing calculations, managing memory, and controlling the flow of data within a computer system.