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

However, the demand for data processing capacity as countries scramble for technological supremacy means the building will continue.

From Barron's ● Aug. 19, 2026

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

In the wake of the SpaceX IPO, investors can expect global communications and AI data processing — both via satellites — to be important themes for many years.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026

This capability could enable advanced local data processing at cryogenic temperatures and improve important quantum computing functions such as quantum error correction and real time quantum control.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 12, 2026

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

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly