overflow
n. C / Un. a situation where there is too much of something to fit into a space. In computing, it happens when a number is too big for the computer's memory to hold.
n. the state of a container or space being filled beyond its capacity; in a digital context, an error occurring when a calculation produces a value exceeding the storage capabilities of the assigned data type.
The sink caused an overflow because the drain was blocked.
The stadium had to open an overflow area to accommodate the thousands of fans who arrived without tickets.
Legacy systems are particularly vulnerable to integer overflow errors, which can cause the software to reset to its minimum value or crash entirely when a specific numerical limit is reached.
From Middle English overflowen, from Old English oferflōwan, equivalent to over- + flow.
Often used as a modifier before another noun ('overflow parking', 'overflow error').