A new user has searched for indefinite
The definition of time
62 Definitions of: time
-
- noun, a) the continuous passage of existence in which events pass from a state of potentiality in the future, through the present, to a state of finality in the past b) (as modifier). Related adj temporal
- noun, physics a quantity measuring duration, usually with reference to a periodic process such as the rotation of the earth or the vibration of electromagnetic radiation emitted from certain atoms (see caesium clock, second2 (sense 1)). In classical mechanics, time is absolute in the sense that the time of an event is independent of the observer. According to the theory of relativity it depends on the observer's frame of reference. Time is considered as a fourth coordinate required, along with three spatial coordinates, to specify an event. See space-time continuum
- noun, a specific point on this continuum expressed in terms of hours and minutes
- noun, a system of reckoning for expressing time
- noun, a) a definite and measurable portion of this continuum b) (as modifier)
- noun, a) an accepted period such as a day, season, etc b) (in combination)
- noun, an unspecified interval; a while
- noun, a period or point marked by specific attributes or events
- noun, a sufficient interval or period
- noun, an instance or occasion
- noun, an occasion or period of specified quality
- noun, the duration of human existence
- noun, the heyday of human life
- noun, a suitable period or moment
- noun, the expected interval in which something is done
- noun, a particularly important moment, esp childbirth or death
- noun, indicating a degree or amount calculated by multiplication with the number specified
- noun, the fashions, thought, etc, of the present age (esp in the phrases ahead of one's time, behind the times)
- noun, (in bars, pubs, etc) short for closing time
- noun, a term in jail (esp in the phrase do time)
- noun, a) a customary or full period of work b) the rate of pay for this period
- noun, Also (esp US): metre a) the system of combining beats or pulses in music into successive groupings by which the rhythm of the music is established b) a specific system having a specific number of beats in each grouping or bar
- noun, music. short for time value
- noun, prosody a unit of duration used in the measurement of poetic metre; mora
- noun, against time in an effort to complete something in a limited period
- noun, ahead of time before the deadline
- noun, all in good time in due course
- noun, all the time continuously
- noun, at one time a) once; formerly b) simultaneously
- noun, at the same time a) simultaneously b) nevertheless; however
- noun, at times sometimes
- noun, beat time (of a conductor, etc) to indicate the tempo or pulse of a piece of music by waving a baton or a hand, tapping out the beats, etc
- noun, before one's time prematurely
- noun, for the time being for the moment; temporarily
- noun, from time to time at intervals; occasionally
- noun, gain time. See gain
- noun, have no time for to have no patience with; not tolerate
- noun, in good time a) early b) quickly
- noun, in no time very quickly; almost instantaneously
- noun, in one's own time a) outside paid working hours b) at one's own rate
- noun, in time a) early or at the appointed time b) eventually c) music at a correct metrical or rhythmic pulse
- noun, keep time to observe correctly the accent or rhythmic pulse of a piece of music in relation to tempo
- noun, lose time (of a timepiece) to operate too slowly
- noun, lose no time to do something without delay
- noun, make time a) to find an opportunity b) to succeed in seducing
- noun, See mark
- noun, in the nick of time at the last possible moment; at the critical moment
- noun, on time a) at the expected or scheduled time b) payable in instalments
- noun, pass the time of day to exchange casual greetings (with an acquaintance)
- noun, time about alternately; turn and turn about
- noun, time and again frequently
- noun, time off a period when one is absent from work for a holiday, through sickness, etc
- noun, time on an additional period played at the end of a match, to compensate for time lost through injury or (in certain circumstances) to allow the teams to achieve a conclusive result. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): extra time
- noun, time out of mind from time immemorial
- noun, time of one's life a memorably enjoyable time
- noun, operating automatically at or for a set time, for security or convenience
- verb, to ascertain or calculate the duration or speed of
- verb, to set a time for
- verb, to adjust to keep accurate time
- verb, to pick a suitable time for
- verb, sport to control the execution or speed of (an action, esp a shot or stroke) so that it has its full effect at the right moment
- interjection, the word called out by a publican signalling that it is closing time
- Show me some examples of this word: time
- Show me the etymology of the word: time
From Collins
©HarperCollins 2008. Collins English Dictionary definition of time