abend

noun

ə-ˈbend 

ˈab-ˌend

plural abends

computing

: the unexpected failure of a piece of computer software

As the average network administrator sleeps, nightmares of hardware failures and server abends compete for time against sweet dreams of what some technicians call nirvana, and others call a pipe dream—finding a network operating system that they can call secure.

—Kevin Novak, Network Computing, 16 Oct. 2000

Word History

Etymology

abnormal end

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!