Origin of process

1275–1325; Middle English proces (noun) (< Old French) < Latin prōcessus a going forward, equivalent to prō- pro-1 + ced-, variant stem of cēdere to yield (see cede) + -tus suffix of v. action; see cession

SYNONYMS FOR process

1 operation. Process, procedure, proceeding apply to something that goes on or takes place. A process is a series of progressive and interdependent steps by which an end is attained: a chemical process. Procedure usually implies a formal or set order of doing a thing, a method of conducting affairs: parliamentary procedure. Proceeding (usually pl.) applies to what goes on or takes place on a given occasion or to the records of the occasion: Proceedings of the Royal Academy of Sciences.

pronunciation note for process

The word process, an early 14th century French borrowing, has a regularly formed plural that adds -es to the singular. This plural, as in similar words like recesses and successes, has traditionally been pronounced [-iz] /-ɪz/: [pros-es-iz, proh-ses-] /ˈprɒs ɛs ɪz, ˈproʊ sɛs-/ or [pros-uh-siz, proh-suh-] /ˈprɒs ə sɪz, ˈproʊ sə-/. Recent years have seen the increasing popularity of an [-eez] /-ˌiz/ pronunciation for processes, perhaps by mistaken analogy with such plurals as theses and hypotheses, with which it has no connection. Although this newer pronunciation is increasingly common, it is regarded by some educated speakers as an affectation.

OTHER WORDS FROM process

Example sentences from the Web for reprocessing

British Dictionary definitions for reprocessing (1 of 3)

reprocessing
/ (riːˈprəʊsɛsɪŋ) /

adjective

of or relating to the treatment of materials in order to make them reusable reprocessing plant

British Dictionary definitions for reprocessing (2 of 3)

process 1
/ (ˈprəʊsɛs) /

noun

verb (tr)

Word Origin for process

C14: from Old French procès, from Latin prōcessus an advancing, from prōcēdere to proceed

British Dictionary definitions for reprocessing (3 of 3)

process 2
/ (prəˈsɛs) /

verb

(intr) to proceed in or as if in a procession

Word Origin for process

C19: back formation from procession

Medical definitions for reprocessing

process
[ prŏsĕs′, prōsĕs′ ]

n. pl. proc•ess•es (prŏsĕs′ĭz, prōsĕs′-, prŏsĭ-sēz′, prōsĭ-)

A series of actions, changes, or functions bringing about a result.
Advance or progress, as of a disease.
An outgrowth of tissue; a projecting part, as of a bone.

Other words from process

process adj. process v.