Cpx

Cpx, or CPX, is an acronym used in several different domains, and its meaning depends on the context. It commonly refers to three distinct concepts in geology, medicine, and military training, as well as serving as a shorthand for specific mineral terminology in petrography.

In geology and mineralogy, cpx is a standard shorthand for clinopyroxene, a group of calcium-magnesium-iron silicate minerals. Clinopyroxene is a major constituent of many igneous and metamorphic rocks, including basalt, diorite, and pyroxenites. In thin-section studies, geologists label the mineral as cpx to distinguish it from orthopyroxene (opx). Clinopyroxene minerals, such as augite and diopside, vary in calcium, magnesium, and iron content and provide information about crystallization conditions and rock history.

In medicine, CPX stands for cardiopulmonary exercise testing. This noninvasive procedure measures the integrated function of the heart, lungs, and muscles during progressive exercise, typically on a treadmill or cycle ergometer. Key outputs include oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), and ventilatory efficiency, from which metrics such as peak VO2, ventilatory thresholds, and the VE/VCO2 slope can be derived. CPX is used to evaluate unexplained dyspnea, assess prognosis in heart failure, tailor rehabilitation programs, and inform surgical risk.

In the military context, CPX denotes a Command Post Exercise. These training events simulate real-world crises to test command and control, communications, and coordination among military units and supporting agencies. Scenarios may involve natural disasters, security incidents, or operational contingencies, with success judged by decision speed, information-sharing effectiveness, and adherence to procedures.

Because CPX has multiple legitimate uses, the intended meaning is determined by the field and surrounding context.