protocol

/ˈproʊɾəkɑl/

/ˈprʌʊtəkɒl/

Other forms: protocols

Protocol is most often used when talking about the rules of government or official agencies. It is derived from the French and refers to the correct rules of etiquette for diplomats.

The term protocol is used in many areas besides diplomatic ones. School marching bands or college admissions offices follow protocols, and doctors use them to treat patients with specific conditions. In tech circles, a protocol is a set of standards that programmers follow so that their work can be decoded by other computers. The p in the http of a web address stands for protocol. Without this type of protocol, you would not be able to read this page.

Definitions of protocol

1. noun

   forms of ceremony and etiquette observed by diplomats and heads of state
   type of:

   etiquette

   rules governing socially acceptable behavior
2. noun

   code of correct conduct
   “safety protocols”

   “academic protocol”

   type of:

   code of behavior, code of conduct

   a set of conventional principles and expectations that are considered binding on any person who is a member of a particular group
3. noun

   (computer science) rules determining the format and transmission of data
   synonyms: communications protocol

   types:

   FTP, file transfer protocol

   protocol that allows users to copy files between their local system and any system they can reach on the network

   HTTP, hypertext transfer protocol

   a protocol (utilizing TCP) to transfer hypertext requests and information between servers and browsers

   MIDI, musical instrument digital interface

   a standard protocol for communication between electronic musical instruments and computers

   TCP, transmission control protocol

   a protocol developed for the internet to get data from one network device to another

   TCP/IP, transmission control protocol/internet protocol

   a set of protocols (including TCP) developed for the internet in the 1970s to get data from one network device to another

   anonymous file transfer protocol, anonymous ftp

   a common way to make software available; users are allowed to log in as `guest' without a password and copy whatever has been made available

   type of:

   prescript, rule

   prescribed guide for conduct or action