Background for underflow

underflow

/ˈʌndərˌfloʊ/

Illustration underflow - Image 1

noun

A current flowing below the surface.

Examples :

"During the heavy rain, the drainage system couldn't handle the surface runoff, leading to a dangerous underflow beneath the pavement that could collapse the road. "

geography nature environment

Illustration underflow - Image 1

noun

A condition in which the value of a computed quantity is smaller than the smallest non-zero value that can be physically stored; usually treated as an error condition

Examples :

"During the scientific calculation, the computer registered an underflow because the result was a number too close to zero for it to handle. "

computing math technology electronics technical condition

Illustration underflow - Image 1

noun

The error condition that results from an attempt to retrieve an item from an empty stack

Examples :

"Because the vending machine was empty, pressing the button resulted in an underflow, and I got no snack. "

computing condition logic system electronics technical

Illustration underflow - Image 1

verb

To trigger the condition in which the value of a computed quantity is smaller than the smallest non-zero value that can be physically stored.

Examples :

"The calculator underflowed when I tried to calculate the incredibly small amount of change remaining after buying groceries. "

computing electronics number math technical science