asynchronous /āsing″krənəs/ [Gk, a + synchronos, not simultaneous] , 1. (of an event or device) a computer operation in which a command is performed in response to a signal that the previous command has been completed. Data and messages can be transferred and paused, then started again, resulting in intermittent transmission. 2. a form of communication that does not occur simultaneously. Multiple individuals can participate in a conversation, but can do so at different times via messaging or communication boards.
