asynchronous

[ey-sing-kruh-nuh s] /eɪˈsɪŋ krə nəs/
adjective
1.
not occurring at the same time.
2.
(of a computer or other electrical machine) having each operation started only after the preceding operation is completed.
3.
Computers, Telecommunications. of or pertaining to operation without the use of fixed time intervals (opposed to synchronous).
Origin
1740-50; a-6 + synchronous
Related forms
asynchronously, adverb
Examples from the web for asynchronous
  • It succeeded so spectacularly, however, that what was once blissfully asynchronous is now woefully chronic.
  • Real-time and speedy synchronous and asynchronous communication options abound.
  • In the past the main problem with asynchronous induction motors was the difficulty of varying their speed.
  • The illusion failed when the stroking was asynchronous.
  • It's ocular, auditory, interactive and asynchronous.
  • One of the challenges in online teaching is the asynchronous format.
  • In the past, the main disadvantage of asynchronous induction motors was the difficulty of varying their speed.
  • These clubs are also easier to attend and interaction is asynchronous.
  • Research indicates that a complicated sales pitch is less likely to succeed using asynchronous methods.
  • In general fiscal policy exit strategies should happen in an asynchronous way.
Word Origin and History for asynchronous
adj.

1748, from a-, privative prefix, + synchronous.

asynchronous in Technology

architecture
Not synchronised by a shared signal such as clock or semaphore, proceeding independently.
Opposite: synchronous.
1. A process in a multitasking system whose execution can proceed independently, "in the background". Other processes may be started before the asynchronous process has finished.
2. A communications system in which data transmission may start at any time and is indicated by a start bit, e.g. EIA-232. A data byte (or other element defined by the protocol) ends with a stop bit. A continuous marking condition (identical to stop bits but not quantized in time), is then maintained until data resumes.
(1995-12-08)