[computer science] In computer science, thrashing occurs when a computer`s virtual memory subsystem is in a constant state of paging, rapidly exchanging data in memory for data on disk, to the exclusion of most application-level processing. This causes the performance of the computer to degrade or collapse. The situation may continue indefi... Found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrashing_(computer_science)
Thrash'ing adjective & noun from Thrash , v. Thrashing floor , Threshing-floor , or Threshing floor , a floor or area on which grain is beaten out. -- Thrashing machine , a machine for separating grain from the straw. Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/T/48