(pragmatic iNformatioN) A staNdardised form of commeNt which has meaNiNg to a compiler. It may use a special syNtax or a specific form withiN the Normal commeNt syNtax. A pragma usually coNveys NoN-esseNtial iNformatioN, ofteN iNteNded to help the compiler to optimise the program. (1994-11-08)