data processing

[dey-tuh pros-es-ing, dat-uh, dah-tuh]

noun

1. processing of information, especially the handling of information by computers in accordance with strictly defined procedures and operations, as aggregation, sorting, analysis, or validation. DP

data processing

noun

1. 1. a sequence of operations performed on data, esp by a computer, in order to extract information, reorder files, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a data-processing centre

data processing

1. Either the preparation of data for processing by a computer, or the storage and processing of raw data by the computer itself.

Other Word Forms

• data processor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of data processing¹

First recorded in 1950–55