processed
adjective
pro·cessed
ˈprä-ˌsest 
ˈprō-,
-səst
: having been subjected to a special process or treatment (as in the course of manufacture)
Just as processed food has been robbed of its nutrients, processed hair has been robbed of much of its health.—
Essence
EssenceThe mythical fountain of youth now is filled with white tea. The pale, minimally processed Chinese tea is being pitched as the next great thing for drinking and as a cosmetics ingredient.—The Grand Rapids (Michigan) Press
The Grand Rapids (Michigan) PressThe main dietary sources of sodium are common salt used in cooking and for seasoning and especially the increased amount of sodium compounds used in processed foods.—Sue Rodwell Williams
Sue Rodwell WilliamsExamples of processed in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The light data was then post-processed using astronomy software to create a spectacular nebula spacescape.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2025
To assess the fiber content in a protein bar, check the ingredients list for processed or isolated fibers, such as chicory root fiber or inulin.
—Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 7 Oct. 2025
Excluding sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, obesity now exceeds underweight in all regions, researchers said, with ultra-processed and fast foods that are high in sugar, refined starch, salt, unhealthy fats and additives being targeted at and consumed by children.
—Amy Woodyatt, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Visible oil separation is normal and often a sign of a less processed, healthier peanut butter.
—Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2025
Be moderate around sugar and cream, stay away from processed creamers, and don’t have too much.
—Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 2 Aug. 2025
The second scale looked at how much people’s diets contributed to inflammation, with foods such as refined grains, high-calorie drinks and red and processed meat considered more inflammatory.
—Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 7 May 2025
This sentiment is reflected in explosive industry growth: exports of unprocessed and semi-processed gum have nearly tripled in the last three decades.
—Erik Zou, JSTOR Daily, 25 Apr. 2025
Last month, a committee issued its proposal, recommending that people eat more beans, peas and lentils as protein sources and decrease the consumption of processed and red meat.
—Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 26 Jan. 2025
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Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2025
To assess the fiber content in a protein bar, check the ingredients list for processed or isolated fibers, such as chicory root fiber or inulin.
—Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 7 Oct. 2025
Excluding sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, obesity now exceeds underweight in all regions, researchers said, with ultra-processed and fast foods that are high in sugar, refined starch, salt, unhealthy fats and additives being targeted at and consumed by children.
—Amy Woodyatt, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Visible oil separation is normal and often a sign of a less processed, healthier peanut butter.
—Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2025
Be moderate around sugar and cream, stay away from processed creamers, and don’t have too much.
—Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 2 Aug. 2025
The second scale looked at how much people’s diets contributed to inflammation, with foods such as refined grains, high-calorie drinks and red and processed meat considered more inflammatory.
—Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 7 May 2025
This sentiment is reflected in explosive industry growth: exports of unprocessed and semi-processed gum have nearly tripled in the last three decades.
—Erik Zou, JSTOR Daily, 25 Apr. 2025
Last month, a committee issued its proposal, recommending that people eat more beans, peas and lentils as protein sources and decrease the consumption of processed and red meat.
—Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 26 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Processed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/processed. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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