protocol

(prōt′ŏ-kol″ )

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[Gr. prōtokollon, the first sheet glued to a manuscript, table of contents]

1. Formal ideas, plans, or expectations concerning the actions of those involved in patient care, bench work, administration, or research.
2. In computer science, the rules or conventions governing the formats and timing of information exchange between communicating devices or processes.
SEE: algorithm
3. A description of the steps to be taken in an experiment or procedure.

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