protocol

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A set of rules for how something should be done correctly.

   All staff must follow strict safety protocols in the lab.

2. 2
   noun

   A system of rules that controls how data is sent and received between computers.

   Web pages are transferred using the HTTP protocol.

3. 3
   noun

   An official document recording the terms of a diplomatic agreement or treaty.

   Several countries signed the protocol to reduce carbon emissions.

Borrowed from Middle French protocolle, protocole (“document, record”), from Late Latin protocollum (“the first sheet of a volume (on which contents and errata were written)”), from Byzantine Greek πρωτόκολλον (prōtókollon, “first sheet glued onto a manuscript”), from πρῶτος (prôtos, “first”) + κόλλα (kólla, “glue”).

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