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

Fab 34 mostly produces central processing units on the Intel 3 and Intel 4 process nodes for commercial and consumer products.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

While the spectrum encompasses a wildly diverse range of behaviors, skills and communication styles, its core traits center on differences in social communication and sensory processing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

MXenes offer advantages over graphene, including richer chemistry, easier processing, and higher conductivity, but earlier attempts to form scrolls often led to uneven results.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

Stargate is a $500bn project to build up data center capacity in the US, which backers say is needed for planned increases in AI processing and power requirements over the next several years.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

My mind had trouble processing everything I saw.

From "The Sea of Monsters" by Rick Riordan

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