Meaning & use

protocol

noun·Academic

An official set of rules or procedures governing formal behavior, diplomacy, or the exchange of data.

See it in a sentence

Hospital staff followed strict protocol when handling samples from infected patients.

The two computers communicated using a protocol that ensures no data is lost in transit.

A note on using this word

In technology, protocol refers to rules governing data exchange; in diplomacy, it refers to etiquette and ceremony.

Words with a similar meaning

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