Definition of batch

The word "batch" has a fascinating history. It originated in the 14th century from the Old English word "beć(h)tan," which means "to seethe" or "to boil." This Old English word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*batiz," which is also the source of the modern English word "beat." In its early days, a "batch" referred to a quantity of things, such as liquids, that were cooked or boiled together, often in large quantities. For example, a batch of soup or a batch of beer could refer to a large quantity of the liquid that was cooked or brewed together. Over time, the meaning of "batch" expanded to include other meanings, such as a group of things processed or manufactured together, like a batch of products or a batch of data. Today, the word "batch" is widely used in various industries, including food, manufacturing, and technology.