processing

American  

[pros-es-ing, proh-ses-ing] / ˈprɒs ɛs ɪŋ, ˈproʊ sɛs ɪŋ /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of processing

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

Explanation

The noun processing means a complex treatment or process — for example, the processing that coffee beans go through before becoming a hot drink. Processing is often used to talk about the procedures that are used on food or other products before people buy or consume them. The processing of milk involves heating it to kill bacteria, cooling it, and separating the cream. Wool processing is also complicated, including shearing a sheep, cleaning the fleece, washing it, and carding or combing it. The Latin root of processing is processus, "a going forward or advance."

Example Sentences

Nvidia’s graphics processing unit chips, or GPUs, are the workhorses of AI computing, and they’re the company’s main source of sales.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

The technology is expected to be trialled for the first time on live cases of asylum seekers at Western Jet Foil, a processing centre in Dover, next year.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

“These extended processing times are creating avoidable hardships for our communities and our economy.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

In addition, immigrants who have ever been in the country illegally—or who have had gaps between visas because of processing delays—could face particular hurdles.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

All the men had made the request repeatedly during processing, and had been told that there were no phones functioning.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers

Related Words

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