system call

Noun
Synonyms: system callsupervisor call instruction

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

  1. an instruction that interrupts the program being executed and passes control to the supervisorSynonyms: system callsupervisor call instruction
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Free On-line Dictionary of Computing

system call

<operating system, programming> The mechanism used by an application program to request service from the operating system. System calls often use a special machine code instruction which causes the processor to change mode (e.g. to "supervisor mode" or "protected mode"). This allows the OS to perform restricted actions such as accessing hardware devices or the memory management unit.

(1995-03-01)

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