processing

American  

[pros-es-ing, proh-ses-ing] / ˈprɒs ɛs ɪŋ, ˈproʊ sɛs ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of treating or preparing something by a particular series of actions, as in manufacturing.

   In the processing of taconite, the ore is ground to a fine powder and the iron separated out with strong magnets.

2. the conversion of an agricultural commodity into marketable form by a particular series of steps.

   Regular inspections should take place at every stage of the processing of meat.

3. the act of handling records, papers, etc., systematically by organizing them, annotating or making decisions about them, following up with appropriate action, etc..

   To avoid delay in the processing of applications, please make sure the information you submit is complete and accurate.

4. the act of mentally or emotionally absorbing and making sense of what one has experienced or perceived.

   The second phase of the treatment involves the emotional processing of the traumatic events in a safe and supportive environment.

   The thalamus is closely integrated with the cerebral cortex and is responsible for the initial processing of all sensory information except smell.

5. Computers. the act of carrying out operations on data or programs.

   By using this website, you consent to the processing of data about you in the manner and for the purposes set out above.

6. the act of requiring someone to answer questionnaires, perform various tasks, undergo physical or aptitude examinations, etc., before the beginning or termination of a period of service.

   The Navy began the initial processing of a new batch of recruits in January.

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Etymology

Origin of processing

First recorded in 1870–75; 1945–50 processing for def. 5; process ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Instead, management is consciously choosing to allocate some of its graphics processing units to internal research and development teams.

From MarketWatch

Most tax-return processing is likely to continue in the event of a shutdown, according to Tobin Marcus, head of policy and politics at Wolfe Research.

From MarketWatch

The Internal Revenue Service is also among the agencies that would be impacted, meaning that tax processing - including refunds - could be affected.

From BBC

The chips perform calculations by breaking large problems into thousands of simpler tasks that are processed simultaneously, through a method called parallel processing.

From Barron's

The processing icon circles slowly round and round.

From Literature

Related Words

• approach
• conduct
• employment
• management
• method
• practice
• procedure
• strategy