* Altered or changed from its natural state. This could mean:
* Manufactured: Like food that has been canned, frozen, or packaged.
* Prepared: Like vegetables that have been chopped or cooked.
* Refined: Like oil that has been extracted from seeds or metals that have been smelted.
* Treated: Like wood that has been stained or leather that has been tanned.
* Subjected to a series of steps or operations. This could mean:
* Information processing: Like data being analyzed, organized, or transformed.
* Document processing: Like a form being filled out, scanned, or signed.
* Production process: Like a product being assembled or manufactured.
Examples:
* "I ate processed cheese for lunch." (The cheese has been altered from its original form.)
* "They are processing our orders now." (The orders are being handled and prepared for shipping.)
* "The information has been processed and analyzed." (The data has been changed and examined.)
In contrast to "natural," "processed" can imply:
* Less healthy or less natural: This is often associated with food, where processed food can be high in additives, salt, sugar, or fat.
* More manufactured or artificial: This can apply to products that have undergone extensive processing to create a specific result.
Overall, the meaning of "processed" depends on the context. However, it generally implies that something has been changed or transformed in some way.