Collins English-English Dictionary

time [taɪm]

1. 1. n null metre

2. 2. n 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

3. 3. n (as modifier)

   time travel

4. 4. n [physics] a quantity measuring duration, usually with reference to a periodic process such as the rotation of the earth or the periodic process such as the rotation of the earth or the vibration of electromagnetic radiation emitted from certain vibration of electromagnetic radiation emitted from certain atoms. In classical mechanics, time is absolute in the sense atoms. In classical mechanics, time is absolute in the sense that the time of an event is independent of the observer. that the time of an event is independent of the observer. According to the theory of relativity it depends on the According to the theory of relativity it depends on the observer's frame of reference. Time is considered as a fourth observer's frame of reference. Time is considered as a fourth coordinate required, along with three spatial coordinates, to coordinate required, along with three spatial coordinates, to specify an event specify an event - See caesium clock second space-time continuum

5. 5. n a specific point on this continuum expressed in terms of hours and minutes

   the time is four o'clock

6. 6. n a system of reckoning for expressing time

   Greenwich mean time

7. 7. n a definite and measurable portion of this continuum

8. 8. n (as modifier)

   time limit

9. 9. n an accepted period such as a day, season, etc

10. 10. n (in combination)

    springtime

11. 11. n an unspecified interval; a while

    I was there for a time

12. 12. n [often plural] a period or point marked by specific attributes or events

    the Victorian times

    time for breakfast

13. 13. n a sufficient interval or period

    have you got time to help me?

14. 14. n an instance or occasion

    I called you three times

15. 15. n an occasion or period of specified quality

    have a good time

    a miserable time

16. 16. n the duration of human existence

17. 17. n the heyday of human life

    in her time she was a great star

18. 18. n a suitable period or moment

    it's time I told you

19. 19. n the expected interval in which something is done

    the flying time from New York to London was seven hours

20. 20. n a particularly important moment, esp childbirth or death

    her time had come

21. 21. n [plural] indicating a degree or amount calculated by multiplication with the number specified

    ten times three is thirty

    he earns four times as much as me

22. 22. n [often plural] the fashions, thought, etc, of the present age (esp in the phrases ahead of one's time, behind the times)

23. 23. n (in bars, pubs, etc) short for closing time

24. 24. n [Brit] [informal] a term in jail (esp in the phrase do time)

25. 25. n a customary or full period of work

26. 26. n the rate of pay for this period

27. 27. n the system of combining beats or pulses in music into successive groupings by which the rhythm of the music is established

28. 28. n a specific system having a specific number of beats in each grouping or bar

    duple time

29. 29. n short for time value

30. 30. n [music] [prosody] a unit of duration used in the measurement of poetic metre; mora

31. 31. n See gain

32. 32. n See mark

33. 33. n [modifier] operating automatically at or for a set time, for security or convenience

    time lock

    time switch

34. 34. vt. [tr] to ascertain or calculate the duration or speed of

35. 35. vt. to set a time for

36. 36. vt. to adjust to keep accurate time

37. 37. vt. to pick a suitable time for

38. 38. vt. [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

39. 39. interj the word called out by a publican signalling that it is closing time

40. 40. interj [Etymology] Old English tima; related to Old English tid time, Old Norse timi, Alemannic zime; see tide¹