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REFERENCE

process

n. · v.
US //ˈpɹɑˌsɛs// process
  1. 1 series of steps (n.)
    A2 Elementary General-service

    a series of actions or steps you take to achieve a particular result.

    a systematic series of actions, events, or steps directed to some end.

    Example

    The application process for a new passport usually takes about six weeks.

    Example

    The legislative process is often slow, requiring multiple rounds of debate and committee reviews before a bill becomes law.
  2. 2 computing task (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    a program or task that a computer is currently running.

    an instance of a computer program that is being executed by one or many threads.

    Example

    My computer is slow because there are too many processes running at once.

    Example

    The operating system terminated the background process because it was consuming an excessive amount of system memory.
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  1. 3 legal documents (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

    official papers from a court, like a summons to appear in front of a judge.

    the whole course of proceedings in a legal action; specifically, the mandate or writ by which a defendant is brought into court.

    Example

    He was served with legal process and had to appear in court on Tuesday.

    Example

    The defendant claimed that the service of process was defective, arguing that he never personally received the summons.
  2. 4 anatomy (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a part of the body that grows out from a main part, like a piece of bone.

    a natural appendage or outgrowth on or in an organism, such as a protuberance on a bone.

    Example

    The doctor explained that the muscle attaches to a small process on the spine.

    Example

    The transverse processes of the vertebrae serve as important attachment points for various ligaments and spinal muscles.
  3. 5 to handle or prepare (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to deal with something using a set of official steps or a machine.

    to subject to a particular method, system, or series of actions of manufacture or inquiry.

    Example

    The bank will process your loan application as soon as they receive your ID.

    Example

    The facility is designed to process several tons of raw timber every hour, turning logs into finished planks for construction.

    Usage

    Transitive verb taking a direct object.
  4. 6 to understand information (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to think about new information so that you can understand it.

    to cognitively integrate or assimilate new information or emotional experiences.

    Example

    I need a few minutes to process what you just told me.

    Example

    It took the witnesses several days to fully process the traumatic events they had observed during the accident.
  5. 7 to walk in a line (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Religion

    to walk slowly in a formal group or parade.

    to move in a formal or ceremonial procession.

    Example

    The choir began to process into the church at the start of the service.

    Example

    The graduates processed slowly across the stage to receive their diplomas while the orchestra played a traditional march.

    Usage

    Intransitive verb.
Etymology 1

From Middle English proces, from Old French procés (“journey”), from Latin prōcessus (“course, progression”), nominalization of prōcēdō (“proceed, advance”).

Etymology 2

Back-formation from procession.

Word family

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