supervisor (monitor; executive) The permanently resident part of a large operating system, dealing most directly with the physical components of the system as distinct from the virtual resources handled by most processes. Within the supervisor different parts handle different physical components (see kernel, memory management, I/O supervisor).

The term has also been used as another name for the entire operating system.

supervisor (soo-per-vy-zer) n. an appropriately registered nurse who is accountable for a student's standard of care in a clinical area. The supervisor oversees the student's practice and learning experience during a clinical episode.