processing

[ pros-es-ing; especially British 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 fordef 5; process ( def ) + -ing ¹( def )

Example Sentences

But since this is such a massive amount of data, to really do anything too fancy would take months and an eye-watering amount of computer processing to achieve.

From Los Angeles Times

They are analysing the game in real time, watching replays to better understand what they have just witnessed with their own eyes, processing data to decide how best to adapt and make the next move.

From BBC

Election officials began processing and verifying vote-by-mail ballots 29 days before election day; however, registered voters who cast their ballot by mail had various ways to turn them in.

From Los Angeles Times

His role will be processing the letters and postcards left by those who stop at the tiny wooden museum from up to two cruise ships a day.

From BBC

The source of the threat may have gotten their addresses mixed up — ballot processing centers have been the targets of a number of recent bomb threats, but the one for L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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