busy-wait
Computing Dictionary

busy-wait definition

programming
To wait for an event by spinning through a tight loop or timed-delay loop that polls for the event on each pass, as opposed to setting up an interrupt handler and continuing execution on another part of the task. This is a wasteful technique, best avoided on time-sharing systems where a busy-waiting program may hog the processor.
[Jargon File]
(1999-06-10)

The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing, © Denis Howe 2010 http://foldoc.org
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Busy-wait is always a great word to know.
So is ninnyhammer. Does it mean:
the offspring of a zebra and a donkey.
a fool or simpleton; ninny.
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