atomic operation
nounUK /əˈtɒmɪk ˌɒpəˈreɪʃən/
US /əˈtɑːmɪk ˌɑːpəˈreɪʃən/
A job that finishes completely or not at all, with nothing in between.
The computer saves your game in one atomic operation, so it never gets half-saved.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In computing, a step that cannot be split or interrupted by other processes.
The counter update is an atomic operation, so two programs can't change it at the same time.
3. In chemistry, a single elementary step in a reaction.
The atomic operation of the reaction happens when two molecules collide.
4. A task done as one unbroken unit of work.
Moving the money between accounts was treated as an atomic operation.