data processing

American  

[dey-tuh pros-es-ing, dat-uh, dah-tuh] / ˈdeɪ tə ˌprɒs ɛs ɪŋ, ˈdæt ə, ˈdɑ tə /

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

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data processing British  

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

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data processing Cultural  

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

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Other Word Forms

• data processor
  noun

Etymology

Origin of data processing

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

data processing

Prof Zuntz says we need more data processing ability and more computing power to understand what is being gathered on state-of-the-art telescopes.

From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2026

Samsung shipped initial samples of 12-layer HBM4E chips, boasting over 20% faster data processing and 30% greater capacity.

From Barron's ● May 29, 2026

The system includes specialized data processing that i.e. corrects for factors such as Earth tides.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 15, 2026

Another rough month means the information sector, which includes telecommunications, data processing and IT workers, has shed more than 300,000 jobs since its recent peak in late 2022.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 6, 2026

Electronic data processing machines brought otherwise unattainable power and efficiency to the research process.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly