pro tə kawl
noun
1. the rules pertaining to etiquette and ceremonial observances among diplomats, heads of state, and the military.
Diplomatic protocol demands that the host country display the flag of the visiting dignitary’s country.
2. the proper or agreed upon way of conducting oneself or of doing something.
Office protocol used to require that managers be addressed by their last name and title.
A new protocol has been established for the evacuation of students during an emergency.
3. a set of conventions for treatment and formatting of computer data in communication across a network.
In Internet Protocol, each device in a network is assigned an address in the form of a number.
See full entry.