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

“We are heartbroken and still processing this loss. Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal,” the society said on Facebook.

From Los Angeles Times

Meinir, from Vale of Glamorgan, said her daughter Mali was diagnosed with dyslexia in Year Seven and has struggled with processing information gradually over the years.

From BBC

D.C. federal courts, used to processing an average of six new cases per week, now face six or more cases per day, many stemming from low-level offenses that previously would’ve been diverted or even dismissed.

From Salon

Technically, the US's Uniform Anatomical Gift Act bans the sale of human tissue - but the same law allows you to charge a "reasonable amount" for the "processing" of a body part.

From BBC

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokeswoman, Lisa Smart, told the BBC that Labour should be "speeding up asylum processing to bring down the backlog and end hotel use once and for all".

From BBC

Related Words

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