interrupthandler

noun

UK /ˌɪntəˈrʌpt ˈhændlə/

US /ˌɪntəˈrʌpt ˈhændlər/

A special helper in a computer that stops what it is doing to take care of something important right away.

When you press a key, the interrupt handler quickly tells the computer what to do.

SYNONYMS

interrupt service routine ISR interrupt routine handler event handler

RELATED WORDS

interrupt processor operating system callback signal

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A function that runs when a hardware device sends a signal to the computer.

The keyboard's interrupt handler read the new key press.

3. A piece of code that responds to an unexpected event during a program.

The interrupt handler saved the data before the power went out.

4. A routine that pauses normal work to deal with an urgent request.

The timer's interrupt handler updates the clock every second.