Processing
ˈprɑːsɛsɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsThe performance of a series of mechanical or chemical operations on something.
ˈprɑːsɛsɪŋ
The act of performing a series of operations on data or materials.
The company has invested heavily in improving its data processing capabilities.
💡 Simply: It's like turning ingredients into a meal. Processing is all the steps you take to change something into something else, like turning raw data into usable information, or making your clothes from cotton.
👶 For kids: Making something new from something else. Like making cookies! You take ingredients (flour, sugar, etc.) and follow the steps to make cookies.
More Examples
The processing of the application may take several weeks.
Efficient processing of customer orders is vital for our success.
How It's Used
"Data processing is a crucial step in many computer applications."
"The food processing industry ensures products are safe and suitable for consumption."
To subject to a special process or treatment.
ˈprɑːsɛsɪŋ
To perform a series of mechanical or chemical operations on something.
The computer is processing the new software update.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making a smoothie. To process the ingredients means to blend them and mix them together until you have a smoothie! It is performing all the steps needed to transform or change something.
👶 For kids: To do something to make a change. Like a machine that puts something through it to make something new.
More Examples
The factory processes raw materials to produce finished goods.
Please process my application as soon as possible.
How It's Used
"The computer is processing the image."
"We need to process the invoices before the end of the month."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
in the processing of
While something is being done.
"In the processing of your application, we may require further information."
processing power
The speed and capability of a computer or other device to process information.
"The new computer boasts significantly improved processing power."
From the verb 'process,' derived from the Latin 'procedere' meaning 'to proceed.' It developed through Middle English, referring to a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a result.
Historically, 'processing' was used primarily in legal and governmental contexts, referring to the formal steps required for actions or documents. With the advent of computers, the term expanded to include data operations.
Memory tip
Think of a factory: it processes raw materials into finished goods. This is a sequence of steps.
Word Origin
"to proceed, to go forward"