mutually exclusive

adj 1: unable to be both true at the same time [syn: {contradictory}]

2: necessitating a choice between mutually exclusive

possibilities; "`either' and `or' in `either this or that'

[syn: {alternative}]

mutual exclusion

(Or "mutex", plural: "mutexes") A

collection of techniques for sharing resources so that

different uses do not conflict and cause unwanted

interactions. One of the most commonly used techniques for

mutual exclusion is the {semaphore}.

(1995-04-08)