screech

n 1: a high-pitched noise resembling a human cry; "he ducked at

the screechings of shells"; "he heard the scream of the

brakes" [syn: {screeching}, {shriek}, {shreiking}, {scream},

{screaming}]

2: sharp piercing cry [syn: {scream}, {screaming}, {shriek}, {shrieking},

{screeching}]

v 1: make a high-pitched, screeching noise, as of a door [syn: {squeak},

{creak}, {screak}, {skreak}, {skriech}, {skriegh}, {skreigh}]

2: utter a shrill cry [syn: {shriek}, {shrill}, {pipe up}, {pipe}]

3: utter a harsh abrupt scream [syn: {squawk}, {screak}, {skreak},

{skriech}, {skreigh}, {scriech}]

scratch

1. (From "scratchpad") Describes a data structure or recording

medium attached to a machine for testing or temporary-use

purposes; one that can be {scribble}d on without loss.

Usually in the combining forms "scratch memory", "scratch

register", "scratch disk", "scratch tape", "scratch volume".

See also {scratch monkey}.

2. (primarily {IBM}) To delete (as in a file).

[{Jargon File}]

(1994-12-15)