Source : WordNet®

batch processing
     n : the serial execution of computer programs

Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

batch processing
     
         A system that takes a set (a "batch") of
        commands or jobs, executes them and returns the results, all
        without human intervention.  This contrasts with an
        {interactive} system where the user's commands and the
        computer's responses are interleaved during a single run.
     
        A batch system typically takes its commands from a disk file
        (or a set of {punched cards} or {magnetic tape} in the old
        days) and returns the results to a file (or prints them).
        Often there is a queue of jobs which the system processes as
        resources become available.
     
        Since the advent of the {personal computer}, the term "batch"
        has come to mean automating frequently performed tasks that
        would otherwise be done interactively by storing those
        commands in a "{batch file}" or "{script}".  Usually this file
        is read by some kind of {command interpreter} but batch
        processing is sometimes used with GUI-based applications that
        define script equivalents for menu selections and other mouse
        actions.  Such a recorded sequence of GUI actions is sometimes
        called a "{macro}".  This may only exist in memory and may not
        be saved to disk whereas a batch normally implies something
        stored on disk.
     
        (1998-06-26)