process meaning and definition

PROCESS noun

Definition of process (noun)

1. 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"
   • synonyms: procedure
2. (psychology) the performance of some composite cognitive activity; an operation that affects mental contents
   • "the process of thinking"; "the cognitive operation of remembering"
   • synonyms: cognitive operation, cognitive process, mental process, operation
3. 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
   • synonyms: summons
4. a mental process that you are not directly aware of
   • "the process of denial"
   • synonyms: unconscious process
5. a natural prolongation or projection from a part of an organism either animal or plant
   • "a bony process"
   • synonyms: appendage, outgrowth
6. 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"
   • synonyms: physical process

PROCESS verb

Definition of process (verb)

1. 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"
   • synonyms: treat
2. deal with in a routine way
   • "I'll handle that one"; "process a loan"; "process the applicants"
3. 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"
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"
   • synonyms: action, litigate, sue
5. march in a procession
   • "They processed into the dining room"
   • synonyms: march
6. shape, form, or improve a material
   • "work stone into tools"; "process iron"; "work the metal"
   • synonyms: work, work on
7. deliver a warrant or summons to someone
   • "He was processed by the sheriff"
   • synonyms: serve, swear out