torn write

noun

A write operation, such as to a hard disk drive or database, which only partially completes, being cut off midway through.

“A torn write can leave a system in an inconsistent state.”

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Meanings

nountorn write (plural torn writes)

plural torn writes

  1. computingA write operation, such as to a hard disk drive or database, which only partially completes, being cut off midway through.

    A torn write can leave a system in an inconsistent state.

    1 more example

    Our server lost power in the middle of a non-atomic transaction, so we ended up with a torn write.

Origin

So called because the full write process is "cut off" before fully completing, thus being "torn".

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

torn write. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/torn%20write

MLA

“torn write.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/torn%20write. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “torn write,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/torn%20write.

Source: torn write on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.