| interlock [`in·tǝr´läk] COMPUTER SCIENCE 1. A mechanism, implemented in hardware or software, to coordinate the activity of two or more processes within a computing system, and to ensure that one process has reached a suitable state such that the other may proceed. 2. See <<deadlock>> ENGINEERING A switch or other device that prevents activation of a piece of equipment when a protective door is open or some other hazard exists. |