noun
jiffy
Jiffy (noun) means (informal) A very short amount of time.
noun
1
(informal) A very short amount of time.
2
A precise unit of time set by a computer's internal clock, often one hundredth of a second.
"The number of processed packets per round is limited in dependence of the page size. The processed packets are forwarded to a single queue and are processed for the time of two jiffies."
— Johanna Ullrich, Protection through Isolation: Virtues and Pitfalls (2015)
3
The length of one cycle of alternating electric current, either a fiftieth or sixtieth of a second.
4
The time light takes to travel a set short distance, often one centimetre.
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Etymology
Origin unknown; said to have been thieves’ cant for “lightning”. Also formerly written "giffy", to which a connection with gliff has been proposed. As a kind of envelope, a genericization of Jiffy bag.
Related words
Rhymes for jiffy
See all rhymes for jiffy →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of jiffy?
"jiffy" (noun) means (informal) A very short amount of time.
What is another word for jiffy?
Other words for "jiffy" include instant, wink, twinkling, flash, heartbeat, trice.
What is the opposite of jiffy?
The opposite of "jiffy" is eon.
What are the different meanings of jiffy?
"jiffy" has 3 main meanings: 1. (informal) A very short amount of time; 2. A precise unit of time set by a computer's internal clock, often one hundredth of a second; 3. The length of one cycle of alternating electric current, either a fiftieth or sixtieth of a second.
