underflow

noun

UK /ˈʌndəfləʊ/

US /ˈʌndərfloʊ/

A computer mistake that happens when a number gets too small to store.

The program crashed because of an underflow when the value became too tiny.

SYNONYMS

arithmetic underflow numeric underflow floating-point underflow underflow error

RELATED WORDS

overflow rounding floating point precision arithmetic

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The downward flow of a liquid or gas beneath something.

The underflow of the river continued beneath the ice.

3. A low flow of water in a channel or pipe, especially below normal levels.

Engineers measured the underflow to check the drainage system.

4. The part of a current that moves along the bottom of a body of water.

Divers felt the cold underflow pulling along the seafloor.