First Known Use: 1669
Dictionary
synchronous
adjective syn·chro·nous \ˈsiŋ-krə-nəs, ˈsin-\
: happening, moving, or existing at the same time
Full Definition of SYNCHRONOUS
1
: happening, existing, or arising at precisely the same time
2
: recurring or operating at exactly the same periods
3
: involving or indicating synchronism
4
a : having the same period; also : having the same period and phase b : geostationary
5
: of, used in, or being digital communication (as between computers) in which a common timing signal is established that dictates when individual bits can be transmitted and which allows for very high rates of data transfer
— syn·chro·nous·ly adverb
— syn·chro·nous·ness noun
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Origin of SYNCHRONOUS
Late Latin synchronos, from Greek, from syn- + chronos time
Related to SYNCHRONOUS
Synonym Discussion of SYNCHRONOUS
contemporary, contemporaneous, coeval, synchronous, simultaneous, coincident mean existing or occurring at the same time. contemporary is likely to apply to people and what relates to them <Abraham Lincoln was contemporary with Charles Darwin>. contemporaneous is more often applied to events than to people <contemporaneous accounts of the kidnapping>. coeval refers usually to periods, ages, eras, eons <two stars thought to be coeval>. synchronous implies exact correspondence in time and especially in periodic intervals <synchronous timepieces>. simultaneous implies correspondence in a moment of time <the two shots were simultaneous>. coincident is applied to events and may be used in order to avoid implication of causal relationship <the end of World War II was coincident with a great vintage year>.
Medical Dictionary
synchronous
adjective syn·chro·nous \ˈsiŋ-krə-nəs, ˈsin-\
Medical Definition of SYNCHRONOUS
1
: happening, existing, or arising at precisely the same time
2
: recurring or operating at exactly the same periods
3
: having the same period; also : having the same period and phase
—syn·chro·nous·ly adverb
Learn More About SYNCHRONOUS
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