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

The company makes application-specific integrated circuits that are an alternative to graphics processing units when it comes to AI applications.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

The suspect was arrested at Manston processing centre in Kent - which processes people that arrive by small boats - and remains in police custody.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Cheryl, how were you processing that first season?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The partnership aims to establish a rare-earth value chain outside China, which controls an estimated 85% of global processing capacity.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

AJAX, in effect, allows you to do over the Internet all the word, data, and business processing you would normally do on a PC with conventional software.

From "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman

Related Words

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