protocol
Protocol has distinct meanings depending on the legal or technical context in which it is used.
In technology and communications, a protocol refers to a set of rules that govern how data is formatted, transmitted, and processed within an electronic communications system. Such protocols ensure that different devices or systems can communicate with one another in a consistent and predictable manner.
In legal and administrative settings, a protocol may refer to a written record summarizing the proceedings of a meeting or negotiation. In this sense, a protocol can function similarly to formal minutes and may be signed/initialed or approved by the participants to indicate that the document accurately reflects what occurred.
The term protocol is also used more broadly to describe a system of rules governing proper conduct and procedure. This usage commonly appears in diplomatic, governmental, and military contexts, where protocol refers to established standards of etiquette and official practice.
[Last reviewed in February of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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