process Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a particular course of action intended to achieve a result
    procedure.
    • the procedure of obtaining a driver's license
    • it was a process of trial and error
  2. noun (psychology) the performance of some composite cognitive activity; an operation that affects mental contents
    operation; cognitive process; mental process; cognitive operation.
    • the process of thinking
    • the cognitive operation of remembering
  3. noun 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
    summons.
  4. noun a mental process that you are not directly aware of
    unconscious process.
    • the process of denial
  5. noun a natural prolongation or projection from a part of an organism either animal or plant
    outgrowth; appendage.
    • a bony process
  6. noun a sustained phenomenon or one marked by gradual changes through a series of states
    physical process.
    • events now in process
    • the process of calcification begins later for boys than for girls
  7. verb subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition
    treat.
    • process cheese
    • process hair
    • treat the water so it can be drunk
    • treat the lawn with chemicals
    • treat an oil spill
  8. verb deal with in a routine way
    • I'll handle that one
    • process a loan
    • process the applicants
  9. verb 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
  10. verb institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against
    action; sue; litigate.
    • He was warned that the district attorney would process him
    • She actioned the company for discrimination
  11. verb march in a procession
    march.
    • They processed into the dining room
  12. verb shape, form, or improve a material
    work on; work.
    • work stone into tools
    • process iron
    • work the metal
  13. verb deliver a warrant or summons to someone
    swear out; serve.
    • He was processed by the sheriff

WordNet

Proc"ess noun
Etymology
F. procès, L. processus. See Proceed.
Definitions
  1. The act of proceeding; continued forward movement; procedure; progress; advance. "Long process of time." Milton.
    The thoughts of men are widened with the process of the suns. Tennyson.
  2. A series of actions, motions, or occurrences; progressive act or transaction; continuous operation; normal or actual course or procedure; regular proceeding; as, the process of vegetation or decomposition; a chemical process; processes of nature.
    Tell her the process of Antonio's end. Shak.
  3. A statement of events; a narrative. Obs. Chaucer.
  4. (Anat. & Zoöl.) Any marked prominence or projecting part, especially of a bone; anapophysis.
  5. (Law) The whole course of proceedings in a cause real or personal, civil or criminal, from the beginning to the end of the suit; strictly, the means used for bringing the defendant into court to answer to the action; -- a generic term for writs of the class called judicial.

Webster 1913