Definition

1. Noun:

   • A series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end: A systematic sequence of operations or events.
   • A natural or involuntary series of changes: A sustained phenomenon marked by gradual changes through a series of states.
   • (Biology) A natural outgrowth or projection: A part that extends from a main structure in an organism.
   • (Psychology) A mental operation: A cognitive activity or function of the mind.
   • (Law) A summons or writ: A formal legal document, often compelling a defendant's appearance in court.

2. Verb:

   • To perform a series of mechanical or chemical operations on something: To treat, prepare, or handle something using an established procedure.
   • To deal with using an established routine: To handle something in a systematic, administrative way.
   • To walk in a formal parade or procession: To move in an orderly, ceremonial line.
   • (Law) To take legal action against: To institute legal proceedings.
   • (Computing) To perform operations on data: To manipulate information according to programmed instructions.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The manufacturing process is highly automated. (The series of steps for making something is highly automated.)
  • Healing is a slow biological process. (Healing is a slow series of natural changes.)
  • The judge issued a process to compel the witness's attendance. (The judge issued a legal summons.)

• Verb:

  • The factory will process the raw materials into finished goods. (The factory will treat the raw materials to make finished goods.)
  • Please process my application as soon as possible. (Please handle my application routinely and systematically.)
  • The data is being processed by the computer. (The data is being manipulated by the computer according to its program.)

Advanced Usage

• "In the process of": Currently doing or undergoing something.

  • We are in the process of moving to a new office. (We are currently undergoing the series of actions involved in moving.)

• "Due process" (Legal): The fair treatment through the normal judicial system.

  • Every citizen is entitled to due process of law. (Every citizen is entitled to fair legal procedures.)

Variants and Related Words

• Processing (n): The action of performing operations on something.
  • The processing of the film took an hour.
• Processor (n): A person or machine that processes things.
  • A food processor / a central processing unit (CPU).
• Processed (adj): Having been treated or prepared by a special method.
  • Processed cheese has a longer shelf life.

Synonyms

• Procedure (n): An established or official way of doing something.
• Method (n): A particular form of procedure for accomplishing something.
• Handle (v): To manage or deal with a situation or task.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Process something through: To send something through an official system to be dealt with.
  • Your visa application will be processed through the embassy. (Your application will be handled by the embassy's system.)

Related Idioms

• A learning process: The experience of gaining knowledge or skill over time.
  • Mastering a language is a long learning process.
• Due process of law: The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person.
  • The court ensured he received due process.

Noun

1. a sustained phenomenon or one marked by gradual changes through a series of states
   • events now in process
   • the process of calcification begins later for boys than for girls
2. a natural prolongation or projection from a part of an organism either animal or plant
   • a bony process
3. a mental process that you are not directly aware of
   • the process of denial
4. a writ issued by authority of law; usually compels the defendant's attendance in a civil suit; failure to appear results in a default judgment against the defendant
5. (psychology) the performance of some composite cognitive activity; an operation that affects mental contents
   • the process of thinking
   • the cognitive operation of remembering
6. a particular course of action intended to achieve a result
   • the procedure of obtaining a driver's license
   • it was a process of trial and error

Verb

1. deliver a warrant or summons to someone
   • He was processed by the sheriff
2. shape, form, or improve a material
   • work stone into tools
   • process iron
   • work the metal
3. march in a procession
   • They processed into the dining room
4. institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against
   • He was warned that the district attorney would process him
   • She actioned the company for discrimination
5. perform mathematical and logical operations on (data) according to programmed instructions in order to obtain the required information
   • The results of the elections were still being processed when he gave his acceptance speech
6. deal with in a routine way
   • I'll handle that one
   • process a loan
   • process the applicants
7. subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition
   • process cheese
   • process hair
   • treat the water so it can be drunk
   • treat the lawn with chemicals
   • treat an oil spill