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Original · left

Protocol (diplomacy)

Formal diplomatic etiquette, ceremonial rules, and code of conduct governing state affairs.

First in use: the 1500s
Duplicate · right

Communication protocol

A standardized, rigid specification of syntactical and procedural rules governing digital data transmission between devices.

First in use: the 1960s

Protocol / Protocol (diplomacy) / Communication protocol

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Diplomatic etiquette vs. TCP/IP.

Which meaning of Protocol is the original, and which one is the duplicate riding on its name? Protocol (diplomacy) came first (the 1500s). Communication protocol arrived in the 1960s. The data below shows which one owns the word now.

Wikipedia pageviews since 2015

Protocol (diplomacy)Communication protocol
English Wikipedia pageviews since July 2015 load here.

Duplicate's share of attention

Green line = duplicate's % · above 60 it owns the word · below 40 the original does

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The case for each meaning

Sourced definitions, usage stats and quotes

Original · the 1500s

Protocol (diplomacy)

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Duplicate · the 1960s

Communication protocol

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