noun
nanosecond
Nanosecond (noun) means a unit of time equal to one billionth of a second. Example: “The processor completes an operation in a few nanoseconds.”
noun
1
A unit of time equal to one billionth of a second.
"The processor completes an operation in a few nanoseconds."
"Since the tiny magnetic domains have to travel only submolecular distances, it is possible to read and write magnetic regions with different polarization as quickly as a single nanosecond — far faster than existing storage technologies."
— John Markoff, Redefining the Architecture of Memory (2007)
2
An informal way of saying "an extremely short moment."
"He hesitated for a nanosecond before answering."
How to use nanosecond
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA billionth of a second, or, casually, an instant.
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Word forms
- Plural
- nanoseconds
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The processor completes an operation in a few _____.
Etymology
From nano- (a billionth) plus second.
Rhymes for nanosecond
See all rhymes for nanosecond →Frequently asked questions
What does “nanosecond” mean?
The word “nanosecond” means a unit of time equal to one billionth of a second. In plain terms, a billionth of a second, or, casually, an instant.
How do you use “nanosecond” in a sentence?
Here is “nanosecond” used in a sentence: “The processor completes an operation in a few nanoseconds.”
What part of speech is “nanosecond”?
“Nanosecond” is a noun.
How many meanings does “nanosecond” have?
“Nanosecond” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a unit of time equal to one billionth of a second.
