Dictionary
Find
in
Dictionary
Thesaurus
Translations

Click to move up the list of words
Proto-Algonquian
Proto-Germanic
Proto-Indo-European
Proto-Norse
proto-oncogene
Proto-Romance
Proto-Semitic
protoceratops
protocol
protocol statement
protocontinent
protoctist
protogalaxy
protohuman
protoindustrialization
protolanguage
protolithic
Click to move down the list of words
Print Preview
See pronunciation key
Search for "protocol" in all of MSN Encarta
E-mail this entry
Blog about this entry on MSN Spaces
Download the MSN Encarta Right-Click Dictionary

protocol

pro·to·col [ prṓtə kàwl ]


noun  (plural pro·to·cols)
Definition:
 
1. etiquette of formal occasions: the rules or conventions of correct behavior on official or ceremonial occasions

2. code of conduct: the rules of correct or appropriate behavior of a group, organization, or profession

3. international relations international agreement: a formal agreement between states or nations

4. record or draft of agreement: a written record or preliminary draft of a treaty or other agreement

5. comput rules for networking computers: a set of technical rules for the transmission and receipt of information between computers

6. philosophy 
Same as  protocol statement


7. medicine science research plan: a detailed plan for a scientific experiment, medical trial, or other piece of research



verb  (past and past participle pro·to·coled or pro·to·colled, present participle pro·to·col·ing or pro·to·col·ling, 3rd person present singular pro·to·cols)
Definition:
 
1. intransitive verb prepare or issue protocol: to draw up or issue a protocol or protocols

2. transitive verb record something in protocol: to record something in a protocol

[15th century. Via French and medieval Latin< Greek prōtokollon "first leaf of a book"]
Advertisement

Also on Encarta
Englishtown: Learn English online
Our Partners
Also on MSN
Encarta Message Boards (© Rubberball/Jupiterimages)
Shopping
© 2009 Microsoft