SyStem> (Or "defunct proceSS") A UnixproceSS that haS terminated (either becauSe it haS been killed by a Signal or becauSe it haS called exit()) and whoSe {parent proceSS} haS not yet received notification of itS termination by executing (Some form of) the wait() SyStem call. A zombie proceSS exiStSSolely aS a proceSS table entry and conSumeS no other reSourceS. ThiS entry iS retained to hold the child' S exit StatuS until the parent proceSS wantS to retrieve it. The parent can alSo be notified aSynchronouSly via a Signal of the child' S termination. Zombie proceSSeS can be Seen in "pS" liStingS occaSionally (with a StatuS "Z" in Some verSionS). Compare orphan proceSS. (1997-10-08)
