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process

series of steps / natural phenomenon / legal proceeding / outgrowth / computer execution / to treat materials / to handle data / to manage requests / to administratively screen
NounTransitive Verb
pl: processespast: processedpp: processeding: processing

As a noun, the term describes a systematic sequence of events, emphasizing the transition from a starting state to a finished result. It is frequently used in technical, legal, and biological contexts to denote a regulated method of operation. As a verb, it refers to the act of transforming raw input into a refined output. This applies equally to physical materials in a factory, data in a computer, or emotional experiences in a psychological sense, where the individual digests an event to reach a state of acceptance.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon in a chaotic open-plan office
Jessica

I cannot believe David changed the process again.

Jessica
Sarah
Sarah

Classic. I am just going to wing it and hope for the best.

💡
Jessica is stressed about the new workflow changes while Sarah is too exhausted to care.

Meanings

Nounseries of steps

a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.

"The application process takes several weeks to complete."

Nounnatural phenomenon

a natural phenomenon or series of changes occurring in a living organism or the environment.

"Photosynthesis is a complex biological process."

Nounlegal proceeding

a legal proceeding or the act of initiating a lawsuit.

"The court issued a formal process to ensure the defendant appeared."

Nounoutgrowth

a projection or outgrowth of a body part or a structural element.

"The odontoblast extends a long process into the dentin."

Nouncomputer execution

an instance of a program being executed by a computer central processing unit.

"The operating system manages multiple processes simultaneously."

Transitive Verbto treat materials
[~ someone][~ something]

To perform a series of mechanical or chemical operations on something in order to change or preserve it.

"The company processes raw cocoa beans into chocolate."

Transitive Verbto handle data
[~ something]

To perform a series of operations on data to retrieve, modify, or transmit it.

"The server needs time to process the incoming request."

Transitive Verbto manage requests
[~ something]

To deal with or handle a request, application, or payment.

"The bank will process your loan application within three business days."

Transitive Verbto administratively screen
[~ someone]

To subject someone to a specific series of steps, often for administrative or security reasons.

"The recruits were processed through the intake center."

Examples

It takes a long time to process all the applications.

Collocations & Compounds

due process

fair treatment through the judicial system

The defendant was guaranteed due process under the law.

thought process

the way someone thinks about a problem

I want to understand your thought process behind this decision.

natural process

a biological or geological sequence of events

Aging is a natural process that affects everyone.

industrial process

a method of manufacturing goods

The company updated its industrial process to reduce waste.

creative process

the steps taken to produce art or ideas

Every writer has a different creative process for drafting a novel.

Phrasal Verbs

process through

to move something through a series of stages

The application is being processed through the central office.

Idioms & Sayings

trust the process

have faith in the system

Even though results are slow, you have to trust the process.

Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'proces', originating from the Old French 'processus', which stems from the Latin 'processus' meaning "a going forward", from 'procedere' ('pro-' meaning "forward" + 'cedere' meaning "to go").

Related Words

Last Updated: June 8, 2026Report an Error