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Microsecond: meaning, definitions and examples

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microsecond

 

[ ˈmaɪkroʊˌsɛkənd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

time measurement

A microsecond is a unit of time equal to one millionth of a second. It is often used in scientific and technical contexts, particularly in physics and computer science, where precise timing is critical. This extremely short duration is commonly represented by the symbol 'µs'. Microseconds are essential in various applications such as signal processing, communication systems, and digital circuit design. In everyday life, microseconds are typically too small to perceive directly, yet they are significant in many high-speed technologies.

Synonyms

1/1,000,000 second, millionth of a second

Examples of usage

  • The signal was processed in a microsecond.
  • Data transfer rates are often measured in microseconds.
  • The computer's clock cycle can be as short as a microsecond.
  • Microseconds matter in high-frequency trading.

Translations

Translations of the word "microsecond" in other languages:

🇵🇹 microsegundo

🇮🇳 सूक्ष्म सेकंड

🇩🇪 Mikrosekunde

🇮🇩 mikrodetik

🇺🇦 мікросекунда

🇵🇱 mikrosekunda

🇯🇵 マイクロ秒

🇫🇷 microseconde

🇪🇸 microsegundo

🇹🇷 mikrosaniye

🇰🇷 마이크로초

🇸🇦 ميكروثانية

🇨🇿 mikrosekunta

🇸🇰 mikrosekunta

🇨🇳 微秒

🇸🇮 mikrosekunda

🇮🇸 míkrósekúnda

🇰🇿 микросекунд

🇬🇪 მიკროსეკუნდები

🇦🇿 mikrosaniyə

🇲🇽 microsegundo

Etymology

The term 'microsecond' is derived from the prefix 'micro-', which comes from the Greek word 'mikros', meaning small or tiny. The prefix was officially adopted in the metric system in the 19th century to denote one millionth (10^-6) of a unit. The term 'second' originates from the Latin phrase 'pars minuta secunda', which translates to 'the second small part'. The concept of dividing time into smaller units has been around since ancient times, but the microsecond as a formal measurement came into use with the development of precision timing instruments in the 20th century. The ability to measure time in microseconds has revolutionized many fields, including computing, telecommunications, and scientific research, allowing for advancements that require extreme precision.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,641, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.