priority interrupt

from Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003)

priority interrupt
 n.

   [from the hardware term] Describes any stimulus compelling enough to
   yank one right out of {hack mode}. Classically used to describe being
   dragged away by an {SO} for immediate sex, but may also refer to more
   mundane interruptions such as a fire alarm going off in the near
   vicinity. Also called an {NMI} (non-maskable interrupt), especially in
   PC-land.

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

priority interrupt

   <jargon> Any stimulus compelling enough to yank one right out
   of {hack mode}.  Classically used to describe being dragged
   away by an {SO} for immediate sex, but may also refer to more
   mundane interruptions such as a fire alarm going off in the
   near vicinity.  Also called an {NMI} (non-maskable interrupt),
   especially in PC-land.

   [{Jargon File}]

   (2005-02-13)

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