Protocol

Definition

Protocol refers to the official procedure or set of rules governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions. It can also mean a reference or guideline of actions in specific situations.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈproʊtəˌkɔl/
• Respelling: PROH-tuh-kawl (with "PROH" as in "pro," "tuh" as in "butter," and "kawl" as in "call")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈprəʊtəkɒl/
• Respelling: PROH-tuh-kol (similar to American English, with "PROH" as in "pro," "tuh" as in "butter," and "kol" as in the beginning of "collar")

In both dialects, "protocol" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, "PROH." The pronunciation is consistent, emphasizing the clear and distinct syllables, focusing on the "PROH" part.

Etymology

The term "protocol" comes from the Late Latin "protocollum", meaning "a draft or original writing". It is derived from the Greek "protokollon", which originally described a leaf or tag attached at the top of a manuscript and later came to mean the first sheet of a papyrus roll containing details of its manufacture.

Derivatives

• Protocolar
• Protocollary
• Protocolist
• Protocolize
• Protocolarly

Synonyms

• Procedure
• Guideline
• Code

Antonyms

• Disorder
• Disorganization
• Chaos

Usage

"Protocol" is frequently used in formal, diplomatic, and scientific contexts. It outlines necessary actions, behaviors, or procedures in specific situations, ensuring consistency and understanding.

Related Terms

• Convention
• Etiquette
• Diplomacy
• Procedure
• Standard

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A set of rules or guidelines governing the behavior and interactions of individuals in specific situations, especially within formal or diplomatic contexts.
• Example: Breaking the protocol during an official meeting could lead to misunderstandings and disputes.

• A specific method or system used to perform a task or study, often in research or scientific experiments.
• Example: The team developed a new protocol for testing the efficacy of the drug.

• In computing, a set of conventions governing the exchange or transmission of data between devices.
• Example: The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is a common protocol used in the world of internet communications.