First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
interval
noun in·ter·val \ˈin-tər-vəl\
: a period of time between events
music : the difference in pitch between two notes
Full Definition of INTERVAL
1
a : a space of time between events or states b British : intermission
2
a : a space between objects, units, points, or states b : difference in pitch between tones
3
: a set of real numbers between two numbers either including or excluding one or both of them
4
: one of a series of fast-paced exercises interspersed with slower ones or brief rests for training (as of an athlete)
— in·ter·val·lic \ˌin-tər-ˈva-lik\ adjective
See interval defined for English-language learners
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Origin of INTERVAL
Middle English intervalle, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French entreval, from Latin intervallum space between ramparts, interval, from inter- + vallum rampart — more at wall
Related to INTERVAL
- Synonyms
- discontinuity, hiatus, hiccup (also hiccough), interim, interlude, intermission, interregnum, interruption, interstice, gap, parenthesis
- Antonyms
- continuation, continuity
INTERVAL Defined for Kids
interval
noun in·ter·val \ˈin-tər-vəl\
Definition of INTERVAL for Kids
1
: a period of time between events or states <There was a short interval between shows.>
2
: a space between things <Signs were posted at regular intervals.>
3
: the difference in pitch between two tones
Medical Dictionary
interval
noun in·ter·val \ˈint-ər-vəl\
Medical Definition of INTERVAL
: a space of time between events or states <intervals between pregnancies>
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