n.
Pronunciation: ' prä- ˌ ses, ' pr ō -, -s ə s
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural pro · cess · es \ - ˌ se-s ə z, -s ə -, - ˌ s ē z \
Etymology: Middle English proces, from Anglo-French procés, from Latin processus, from procedere
Date: 14th century
1 a : PROGRESS , ADVANCE <in the process of time> b : something going on : PROCEEDING
2 a (1) : a natural phenomenon marked by gradual changes that lead toward a particular result <the process of growth> (2) : a continuing natural or biological activity or function <such life process es as breathing> b : a series of actions or operations conducing to an end especially : a continuous operation or treatment especially in manufacture
3 a : the whole course of proceedings in a legal action b : the summons, mandate, or writ used by a court to compel the appearance of the defendant in a legal action or compliance with its orders
4 : a prominent or projecting part of an organism or organic structure <a bone process > <a nerve cell process >
5 : 6 CONK