Procedure

/prəˈsiː.dʒər/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A series of actions conducted in a certain order or manner.
The surgeon explained the procedure that would be followed during the operation.
A legal or formal method of doing something.
The committee will follow the proper procedure for evaluating the proposals.
A set sequence of steps to achieve a specific task, especially in a technical or scientific context.
Please read through the procedure carefully before beginning the experiment.
An established or official way of doing something.
The office has a procedure for handling customer complaints that employees must adhere to.
A surgical operation.
He will undergo a routine procedure to remove his gallbladder.

Etymology

The word 'procedure' comes from the Latin 'procedere', meaning 'to go forward'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

standard operating procedure:
Officially established rules for an organization.
procedure manual:
A book detailing the processes to be followed.
procedure code:
A system used in legal contexts for identifying procedures.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

In surgery, referring to specific techniques or methods used.
The doc was talking about his go-to procedure for minimally invasive surgeries.
An official way to do things that seems unnecessarily complicated.
I had to follow all these ridiculous procedures just to get my refund.