(and not, actually, from `arithmetic'). Confusingly, though, an `A'
register name prefix may also stand for `address', as for example on
the Motorola 680x0 family. 2. A register being used for arithmetic or
logic (as opposed to addressing or a loop index), especially one being
used to accumulate a sum or count of many items. This use is in
context of a particular routine or stretch of code. "The FOOBAZ
routine uses A3 as an accumulator." 3. One's in-basket (esp. among
old-timers who might use sense 1). "You want this reviewed? Sure, just
put it in the accumulator." (See [323]stack.)
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ACK /ak/ interj.

1. [common; from the ASCII mnemonic for 0000110] Acknowledge. Used to
register one's presence (compare mainstream Yo!). An appropriate
response to [327]ping or [328]ENQ. 2. [from the comic strip "Bloom
County"] An exclamation of surprised disgust, esp. in "Ack pffft!"
Semi-humorous. Generally this sense is not spelled in caps (ACK) and
is distinguished by a following exclamation point. 3. Used to politely
interrupt someone to tell them you understand their point (see
[329]NAK). Thus, for example, you might cut off an overly long
explanation with "Ack. Ack. Ack. I get it now". 4. An affirmative.
"Think we ought to ditch that damn NT server for a Linux box?" "ACK!"

There is also a usage "ACK?" (from sense 1) meaning "Are you there?",
often used in email when earlier mail has produced no reply, or during
a lull in [330]talk mode to see if the person has gone away (the
standard humorous response is of course [331]NAK (sense 1), i.e., "I'm