Nanosecond

usgb/ˈnænəʊsekənd/
noun

A nanosecond is a unit of time that is equal to one billionth of a second.

The speed of light is approximately one foot per nanosecond.
Visual representation of "nanosecond" - A nanosecond is a unit of time that is equal to one billionth of a second.

Often appears as...

  • waste a nanosecond
  • every nanosecond counts

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "nanosecond"
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Technical Precision

Used in sciences to measure extremely quick events, where accuracy matters.

Illustration for Technical Precision
Modern processors operate at speeds measured in nanoseconds.
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Literal Sense

Remember that in technical contexts, 'nanosecond' strictly means one billionth of a second.

Illustration for Literal Sense
Data travels through optical fibers at milliseconds, not nanoseconds.
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Not for Duration

Though very short, it's not used to express duration in common human experiences.

Illustration for Not for Duration
He hesitated for a moment, not a couple of nanoseconds, before replying.
Visual representation of the word "Nanosecond"

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