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procedural

adj. · n.
US //pɹəˈsidʒɝəɫ// UK //pɹəsˈiːdʒəɹəl// pro·ce·dur·al
  1. 1 following rules or steps (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Formal Law

    relating to the official way of doing something, especially in law or government.

    relating to an established or official way of conducting business, particularly in legal, administrative, or parliamentary contexts.

    Example

    The judge dismissed the case because of a procedural error by the police.

    Example

    The committee's decision was delayed by several procedural challenges raised by the opposition regarding the validity of the initial vote.

    Usage

    Often modifies nouns like 'error', 'requirement', or 'fairness'.
  2. 2 computer-generated (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    created by a computer program using a set of rules rather than being designed by a person.

    referring to content, such as textures or landscapes, generated algorithmically rather than manually authored.

    Example

    The game uses procedural generation to create a different world for every player.

    Example

    By employing procedural techniques, the developers were able to create a vast, diverse universe without the need for massive storage space.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'procedural generation'.
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  1. 3 investigative fiction (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a TV show or book that focuses on the technical details of a professional investigation, like a police or medical drama.

    a subgenre of detective or crime fiction that emphasizes the realistic and systematic steps of an investigation.

    Example

    He loves watching a good police procedural on Friday nights.

    Example

    While many viewers prefer high-action thrillers, she enjoys the slow, methodical pace of a well-written legal procedural.

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