processing

[pros-es-ing, proh-ses-ing]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of processing¹

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

Example Sentences

The U.S. also has leverage over China because it produces chips needed for artificial-intelligence processing and industrial products like jet engines—things Beijing has yet to master.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

AMD’s biggest foray into artificial intelligence began in late 2023 with its launch of the MI300 series of graphics processing units, or GPUs, the chips required for the advanced computing workloads behind AI.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Hundreds of people in southern Tunisia's Gabes on Friday protested to demand dismantling a local phosphate processing plant after reports of respiratory distress among residents.

Read more on Barron's

China dominates global production and processing of these materials.

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The government shutdown has caused BLS personnel to pause collecting, processing, or publishing economic data for the duration of the shutdown.

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Related Words

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