Meaning & use
isochronous
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Meanings
adjectivenot comparabletechnical
Happening at regular, equal intervals of time.
Grammar: Describes events or signals; no comparative form.
Patterns
- isochronous events
- isochronous signal
The pendulum's swings are isochronous, occurring every second.
In digital communication, isochronous signals carry data at a steady rate.
The metronome produces isochronous ticks.
adjectivenot comparabletechnical
Taking the same amount of time regardless of other factors.
Grammar: Used for processes or motions that are not affected by changes in conditions.
Patterns
- isochronous motion
- isochronous oscillation
The isochronous motion of the balance wheel keeps the watch accurate.
An isochronous process takes the same time no matter the load.
Common combinations
- isochronous signal
- The isochronous signal ensures that audio and video stay synchronized.
- isochronous transmission
- Isochronous transmission is used for real-time data like voice calls.
- isochronous motion
- The isochronous motion of the pendulum was studied by Galileo.
Synonyms and how they differ
- periodic
- Means occurring at regular intervals, but not necessarily equal in duration; 'isochronous' emphasizes equal time.
- synchronous
- Means happening at the same time; 'isochronous' means equal in time, not simultaneous.
Opposites
Word family
- isochronously adverb
- In an isochronous manner; rarely used.
- isochronism noun
- The property of being isochronous.
Commonly confused: isochronous or isochromatic? isochronous or synchronous?
isochronous vs isochromatic
Relates to color, not time. 'Isochronous' is about equal time intervals.
isochronous vs synchronous
Means happening at the same time; 'isochronous' means taking equal time, which can be at different times.
Practice
In music, a steady beat that repeats every second is described as ______.
Choose one answer.
Isochronous means occurring at equal time intervals. 'Isochromatic' is about color, 'isometric' about equal measure, and 'isosceles' about equal sides in geometry.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “isochronous”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.