WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

asynchronous transfer mode
    n 1: a means of digital communications that is capable of very
         high speeds; suitable for transmission of images or voice
         or video as well as data; "ATM is used for both LAN and
         WAN" [syn: asynchronous transfer mode, ATM]

The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):

Asynchronous Transfer Mode
ATMP
Fast Packet

    (ATM, or "fast packet", "Asynchronous Transfer Mode
   Protocol", ATMP) A network protocol that dynamically allocates
   bandwidth between incoming channels and multiplexes them onto a
   stream of fixed 53-byte packets (called "cells").  A
   fixed-size packet simplifies switching and multiplexing.  ATM is a
   connection-oriented protocol.  It can use different physical
   layer transports including SONET, DS3, fiber or twisted
   pair.

   The ATM Forum is one of the main bodies promoting ATM.

   Wideband ATM is an enhancement.

   ATM acronyms
   (http://atmforum.com/atmforum/acronym_index.html).

   Indiana acronyms
   (http://cell-relay.indiana.edu/cell-relay/FAQ/ATM-Acronyms.html).

   [More detail?  Data rate(s)?]

   (1996-04-01)