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Millisecond: meaning, definitions and examples

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millisecond

 

[ ˈmɪlɪsɛkənd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

time measurement

A millisecond is a unit of time that is equal to one-thousandth of a second. It is commonly used in computing and technology to measure very short durations. Milliseconds are also relevant in various fields such as audio processing, sports timing, and telecommunications. The precise measurement of time in milliseconds allows for accurate synchronization and performance analysis.

Synonyms

Ms., thousandth of a second.

Examples of usage

  • The program responded in just a few milliseconds.
  • In professional sports, timing can be crucial down to the millisecond.
  • The latency of the network was measured in milliseconds.

Translations

Translations of the word "millisecond" in other languages:

🇵🇹 milissegundo

🇮🇳 मिलिसेकंड

🇩🇪 Millisekunde

🇮🇩 milidetik

🇺🇦 мілісекунда

🇵🇱 milisekunda

🇯🇵 ミリ秒

🇫🇷 milliseconde

🇪🇸 milisegundo

🇹🇷 milisaniye

🇰🇷 밀리초

🇸🇦 مللي ثانية

🇨🇿 milisekunda

🇸🇰 milisekunda

🇨🇳 毫秒

🇸🇮 milisekunda

🇮🇸 millisekúnda

🇰🇿 миллисекунд

🇬🇪 მილიწამი

🇦🇿 millisaniyə

🇲🇽 milisegundo

Etymology

The term 'millisecond' is derived from the metric prefix 'milli-', which denotes a factor of one thousandth (1/1000), combined with 'second', the basic unit of time in the International System of Units (SI). The concept of subdividing time into smaller increments has been around for centuries, with the second itself being defined for civil use since the late 19th century. The use of milliseconds became particularly relevant with the advent of modern technology and high-speed computing in the mid-20th century, where precision timing and measurement became essential. The introduction of computers and digital devices in everyday life has proliferated the use of milliseconds in various applications, including video games, online transactions, and scientific research, further embedding it into our common lexicon.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,515, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.