Definitions for "Modal dialog"
A dialog box that blocks further work being done in the application until it is dismissed.
This is a dialog box, or window, that must be responded to before operation of a program can continue. Modal dialog boxes are easier to program than modeless dialog boxes since you don't have to account for as many conditions. However, modal dialog boxes are generally annoying to users. Common examples are errors (file not found) and "are you sure" questions.
a dialog (message box, for instance) that blocks the application that popped it until the dialog is closed (answered or dismissed)