M: MAC Mechanical Scale

MAC

Media Access Control. A media-specific access-control protocol within IEEE 802 specifications (lower sublayer of layer 2 of ISO model), which includes variations for token ring, token bus, and CSMA/CD.

mach

See machine.

Mach angle

The angle between the path of a body that is moving with supersonic velocity and a corresponding path that the body would take when moving at sonic velocity (the Mach line). The speed of sound divided by the body's velocity equals the sine of the Mach angle.

machine

Any device that is capable of performing useful work, especially a device for producing controlled motion or for regulating the effect of a given force.

machine address

An absolute, direct, unindexed address that is expressed as such or that is the result when indexing and other processing have been completed.

machine code

The lowest level of computer language; digital code that can be directly executed by the computer.

machine code instruct

A code that defines a particular computer operation and that can be used without further translation.

machine-dependent program

A program that operates on only one type of computer. Contrast with machine-independent program.

machine element

Any standard mechanical part that is used in constructing a machine, such as a bearing, fastener, cam, gear, lever, link, pin, or spring.

machine error

A deviation from correctness in computer data as a result of equipment failure.

machine-independent

Pertaining to procedures or programs that are created without regard for the actual devices that will be used to...