priority interrupt

priority interrupt n.  [from the hardware term] Describes
   any stimulus compelling enough to yank one right out of {hack
   mode}.  Classically used to describe being dragged away by an
   {SO} for immediate sex, but may also refer to more mundane
   interruptions such as a fire alarm going off in the near vicinity.
   Also called an {NMI} (non-maskable interrupt), especially in
   PC-land.



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