a·syn·chro·nous / āˈsingkrənəs/ • adj. 1. Comput. & Telecommunications of or requiring a form of computer control timing protocol in which a specific operation begins upon receipt of an indication (signal) that the preceding operation has been completed.2. not going at the same rate and exactly together with something else, in particular: ∎  (of a machine or motor) not working in time with the alternations of current. ∎  Astron. (of a satellite) revolving around the parent planet at a different rate from that at which the planet rotates. ∎  Astron. (of an orbit) such that a satellite in it is asynchronous.3. (of two or more objects or events) not existing or happening at the same time.DERIVATIVES: a·syn·chro·nous·ly adv.

asynchronous Involving or requiring a form of computer control timing protocol in which a specific operation is begun upon receipt of an indication (signal) that the preceding operation has been completed, and which indicates to a subsequent operation when it may begin. The rate at which operations proceed is determined by the time required by individual operations. See also interrupt, glitch. Compare synchronous.