torn write
nounEtymology So called because the full write process is "cut off" before fully completing, thus being "torn".
1
Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences A write operation, such as to a hard disk drive or database, which only partially completes, being cut off midway through.
- Our server lost power in the middle of a non-atomic transaction, so we ended up with a torn write.
- A torn write can leave a system in an inconsistent state.