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

protocol
A set of rules governing the exchange of data.
methodology
A system of methods used in a particular area of study.

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.