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. )

Example Sentences

Alphabet’s custom tensor processing units also gave the company an AI advantage in 2025, as the company began a strategic shift of deploying its custom silicon for customer use.

From MarketWatch

These secondary minerals are not the main target of mining operations, so they are often separated out and discarded during processing.

From Science Daily

When his son threatens to have a tantrum, for example, they practise "shaking it out" together - processing the emotions safely.

From BBC

In Ukraine, it is used to speed up decision-making by processing vast amounts of data.

From The Wall Street Journal

That action triggered regions of your brain involved in processing emotions, which is why you may have re-experienced some feelings you did at the time of the event.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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