processing

[ pros-es-ing; especially British 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 fordef 5; process ( def ) + -ing ¹( def )

Example Sentences

Kea raises $10M to build AI that helps restaurants answer the phone — CEO Adam Ahmad says the startup has created a “virtual cashier” who can do the initial intake with customers, process most routine orders and bring in a human employee when needed.

From TechCrunch

Travel mugs are a great solution as they help delay the cooling process, but electric tumblers like Ember’s Temperature Control Travel Mug 2 can keep liquids at a steady temperature for up to three hours on a single charge.

From Popular-Science

All studies have their limitations, and the peer-review process itself has its limitations.

From Washington Post

It was a pretty straightforward and easy process, where I provided my address and then the details of my pizza order.

From TechCrunch

A community’s or country’s vulnerability can be measured in the long or short term, but it basically involves sensitivity to harm like natural disasters and the ability to adapt, or cope through processes like evacuation plans.

From Vox

I was able to be alone while not alone, processing the fact that while I was marching and chanting I could literally die.

From The Daily Beast

After processing in everyone else, the cops took him somewhere for a reminder of their thoughts on “rapos.”

From The Daily Beast

The processing errors of her mind manifested in a few debilitating ways: Her wagers, written with Jeopardy!

From The Daily Beast

It aims to eliminate the biggest bottleneck in a bar—processing payments.

From The Daily Beast

But even as he was receiving awards, the military brass was processing his discharge—they had found out he was transgender.

From The Daily Beast

As new processing methods are devised, Virginia will undoubtedly increase the development of such resources.

From Project Gutenberg

The textile industry in Virginia includes the spinning and processing of yarn and the weaving and finishing of material.

From Project Gutenberg

Nevertheless, the fisheries supply additional employment to processing and wholesale employees.

From Project Gutenberg

If desired, pumpkin or squash may first be cooked as if preparing it for use and then put into the jars for processing.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, as in canning vegetables and fruit, adjust the rubbers and covers and proceed with the processing.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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