The Free Online Dictionary of Computing (http://foldoc.doc.ic.ac.uk/) is edited by Denis Howe <dbh@doc.ic.ac.uk>.

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block

1. <unit> A unit of data or memory, often, but not exclusively, on a magnetic disk or magnetic tape.

Compare record, sector.

2. <operating system> To delay or sit idle while waiting for something.

Compare busy-wait.

(2000-07-17)