Protocol Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈprōtəkōl/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A set of instructions or procedures that are followed to achieve a specific goal or comply with a regulatory requirement, often in a formal or standardized manner.

Examples

• The company developed a protocol for handling customer complaints.
• The medical team followed a strict protocol for treating patients with COVID-19.

Synonyms

• Procedure
• Procedure manual

Antonyms

• Informal
• Ad hoc

Additional Information

Protocols are used in a wide range of fields, including medicine, technology, and international relations. They ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance with regulations, and can help to prevent errors or misunderstandings. Protocols can be formal or informal, written or unwritten, and may be specific to a particular organization or industry.

Protocols are also used to establish communication and data exchange between different systems or networks. They define the format of data, the rules for sending and receiving data, and the methods for error correction and recovery.

Etymology

The word “protocol” comes from the Greek word “protokollen”, meaning “first folio” or “register”, and was first used in English in the 16th century to refer to the official record or register of a meeting or ceremony.

Usage Notes

When using the word “protocol”, it’s important to consider the context in which it’s being used. In formal or technical contexts, it’s often capitalized as “Protocol”. In informal or conversational contexts, it may be used in lowercase.

Cultural References

The term “protocol” has been used in various cultural references, including episodes of the TV show “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and the movie “The Imitation Game”.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

The phrase “follow protocol” is often used to emphasize the importance of following established procedures or guidelines.

Related Words or Phrases

• Procedure
• Procedure manual
• Procedure code

Collocations

• Following protocol
• Breaching protocol
• Establishing protocol

Frequency of Use

The word “protocol” is relatively uncommon in everyday conversation, but is often used in technical, scientific, or formal contexts.

Common Misspellings

• Protocolte
• Protekool
• Protool