Batch

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/bætʃ/

Definitions

• Noun: A quantity or group of items or people dealt with at the same time.
• Noun: The production or preparation of goods in a single process or operation.
• Verb: To prepare or process something in a batch or group.

Usage Examples

• He baked a batch of cookies for the party.
• The factory produced a large batch of cars in one shift.
• We need to batch these orders before the end of the day.

Etymology

From Middle English bacche, meaning "a load or bundle," probably derived from Old French bache (bundle, load), ultimately from Late Latin baculum (staff or stick, used for carrying bundles).

Synonyms

• Group
• Set
• Lot
• Bundle
• Collection

Antonyms

• Individual
• Single
• Isolated

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, "batch" is often pronounced with a clear "a" sound, as in /bætʃ/.
• In British English, the pronunciation may be slightly softer, with the "a" sounding closer to /æ/.
• In Australian English, the pronunciation is similar to British English, but it may be slightly more relaxed.

Historical Usage

The word "batch" has been in use since the late 14th century and was originally used to describe a load of goods or a bundle. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the idea of a group of items produced or processed together, particularly in industries such as baking, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.

Cultural Nuances

The term "batch" is heavily used in contexts that involve the production of goods, such as baking and industrial manufacturing. In modern times, the term has also become popular in educational settings, referring to groups of students who graduate together or work together in a specific cohort. "Batch processing" has also become a widely-used term in computing, referring to the processing of data in large groups rather than individually.

More Information

The word "batch" is integral in a variety of industries and contexts, ranging from food production to data processing. It represents efficiency, organization, and systematic processing, and its use is often tied to production cycles. Understanding the concept of a batch is crucial for those working in sectors like manufacturing, business operations, and software development. Additionally, in cultural terms, "batch" can refer to any group or collection of things treated as a single unit.