Phrase guide

torn write

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

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

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: computing, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences

Examples

  • Our server lost power in the middle of a non-atomic transaction, so we ended up with a torn write.
  • A torn write can leave a system in an inconsistent state.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

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