protocol
noun
pro·to·col
| \ ËprÅ-tÉ-Ëkȯl
, -ËkÅl, -ËkÀl, -kÉl\
, -ËkÅl, -ËkÀl, -kÉl\
Definition of protocol
1
: an original draft, minute, or record of a document or transaction
2a
: a preliminary memorandum often formulated and signed by diplomatic negotiators as a basis for a final convention or treaty
b
: the records or minutes of a diplomatic conference or congress that show officially the agreements arrived at by the negotiators
3a
: a code prescribing strict adherence to correct etiquette and precedence (as in diplomatic exchange and in the military services)
a breach of protocol
b
: a set of conventions governing the treatment and especially the formatting of data in an electronic communications system
network protocols
4
: a detailed plan of a scientific or medical experiment, treatment, or procedure
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Examples of protocol in a Sentence
Typically, those who make pronouncements like this assume (without saying so) that the tongues making up the multitude will belong to persons who are committed to the protocols of rational inquiry; frivolous persons, persons who exploit those protocols or play with them to gain political ends, are not imagined.
— Stanley Fish, Harper's, December 2005
Purcell even flouted the timeless protocol of pretending to admire the work of his fellow editors.
— Tobias Wolff, Old School, 2003
Today, thanks to the civil-rights movement, white guilt is proprietyâan utterly invisible code that defines decency in our culture with thousands of little protocols we no longer even think about.
— Shelby Steele, Harper's, November 2002
The soldier's actions constitute a breach of military protocol.
They did not follow the proper diplomatic protocols.
What is the proper protocol for declining a job offer?
the Geneva Protocol of 1925
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Recent Examples on the Web
Counsell also said Piña hasn't been placed in concussion protocol, which would leave him unavailable for seven days. — Todd Rosiak, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Manny Piña sidelined with mild concussion; Jacob Nottingham recalled from minor leagues," 6 Sep. 2019 Winner: Geno Smith Coming off missing Week 2 while recovering from surgery to remove a cyst in his knee and with Paxton Lynch in the concussion protocol, Smith made a strong case for the backup quarterback position. — oregonlive.com, "Seattle Seahawks defeat the Los Angeles Chargers in third preseason game: 11 winners and losers," 25 Aug. 2019 Kyle Kalis has been in the concussion protocol for several weeks. — Mary Kay Cabot, cleveland.com, "Eric Kush gets 1st shot at right guard, Austin Seibert hasnât nailed kicking job yet & other Browns takeaways," 24 Aug. 2019 There was no access control at all implemented in the protocolâeven sandboxed processes could connect to a CTF session outside their sandbox. — Jim Salter, Ars Technica, "A look at the Windows 10 exploit Google Zero disclosed this week," 15 Aug. 2019 The 49ers dealt for Coleman in September when Garry Gilliam, their top swing tackle, was in his third week in the concussion protocol. — Eric Branch, SFChronicle.com, "49ers investigating backup plan with tackle Shon Coleman headed to IR," 11 Aug. 2019 Manager Brandon Hyde said after the game that Stewart had a concussion, and was in the concussion protocol. — Jon Meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Oriolesâ DJ Stewart leaves return to majors after slipping, taking fly ball off head," 7 Aug. 2019 Their love for one another might also signal a new chapter in royal protocol as well. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Here's What Camilla Parker Bowles Will Be Like as Queen, According to Royal Insiders," 9 July 2019 The Heat also were without G League journeyman Charles Cooke, who remains in the NBA concussion protocol after leaving Tuesday's victory over the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter. — Ira Winderman, sun-sentinel.com, "Heatâs Maten continues growth curve in summer-league victory; Herro scores 20," 3 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'protocol.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for protocol
protocol
noun
English Language Learners Definition of protocol
: a system of rules that explain the correct conduct and procedures to be followed in formal situations
: a plan for a scientific experiment or for medical treatment
formal
: a document that describes the details of a treaty or formal agreement between countries
See the full definition for protocol in the English Language Learners Dictionary
protocol
noun
pro·to·col
| \ ËprÅt-É-Ëkȯl, -ËkÅl, -ËkÀl
\
\
Medical Definition of protocol
1
: an official account of a proceeding
especially
: the notes or records relating to a case, an experiment, or an autopsy
2
: a detailed plan of a scientific or medical experiment, treatment, or procedure
cryotherapy was performed in approximately half of the eyes through a randomization protocol — Journal of the American Medical Association
protocol
noun
pro·to·col
| \ ËprÅ-tÉ-Ëkȯl
\
\
Legal Definition of protocol
1
: an original draft, minute, or record of a document or transaction
2a
: a preliminary memorandum often formulated and signed by diplomatic negotiators as a basis for a final convention or treaty
b
: the records or minutes of a diplomatic conference or congress that show officially the agreements arrived at by the negotiators
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