processing

Work done on something to change it or get it ready for use.

• Food processing takes place in this factory.
• The beans need more processing before they can be sold.
• Modern equipment has reduced processing time.

How to use it: processing of something (The processing of raw cotton takes place here.)

Similar words: treatment, handling

Common phrases: food processing, processing plant, waste processing

Using a computer to organize, change, store, or send information.

• Data processing takes only a few seconds.
• This computer has plenty of processing power.
• Image processing removed the marks from the photograph.

How to use it: processing of something (The software allows faster processing of large images.)

Similar words: computation

Common phrases: data processing, image processing, processing power

Handling something through the required steps, often before making a decision or completing a service.

• Your application is awaiting processing.
• There is a fee for visa processing.
• We have improved the processing of customer orders.

How to use it: processing of something (The processing of your application may take two weeks.)

Similar words: handling

Common phrases: application processing, processing fee, processing time