first-stage processing
nounUK /ˌfɜːst steɪdʒ ˈprəʊsesɪŋ/
US /ˌfɜːrst steɪdʒ ˈprɑːsesɪŋ/
The first step of working on something to get it ready.
First-stage processing cleans the fruit before it is packed.
SYNONYMS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The early part of a computer's work on data, such as reading and sorting it.
The computer does first-stage processing to organize the incoming data.
3. The first step in treating a material, like metal or oil, before it is used.
First-stage processing turns the raw ore into a usable form.
4. The first round of checking or handling something, such as a form or request.
First-stage processing of the applications takes about a week.