wait state (command for the computer to wait for slower devices)

The imperative command ("Wait!") is a sentence. It is equivalent to "you should wait" or "you must wait". The subject (you) is understood, as in other forms of direct address.

It could be called either a buffer or a wait state.

Run the command in the background by using an ampersand (&) just before the Return stroke that ends the command line

Run the command in the background by using an ampersand (&) just before the Return stroke that ends the command line.

Example - $ top &