against time

time

T0198700 (tīm)n.1. a. A nonspatial continuum in which events occur in apparently irreversible succession from the past through the present to the future.b. An interval separating two points on this continuum; a duration: a long time since the last war; passed the time reading.c. A number, as of years, days, or minutes, representing such an interval: ran the course in a time just under four minutes.d. A similar number representing a specific point on this continuum, reckoned in hours and minutes: checked her watch and recorded the time, 6:17 am.e. A system by which such intervals are measured or such numbers are reckoned: solar time.2. a. often times An interval, especially a span of years, marked by similar events, conditions, or phenomena; an era: hard times; a time of troubles.b. times The present with respect to prevailing conditions and trends: You must change with the times.3. A suitable or opportune moment or season: a time for taking stock of one's life.4. a. Periods or a period designated for a given activity: harvest time; time for bed.b. Periods or a period necessary or available for a given activity: I have no time for golf.c. A period at one's disposal: Do you have time for a chat?5. An appointed or fated moment, especially of death or giving birth: He died before his time. Her time is near.6. a. One of several instances: knocked three times; addressed Congress for the last time before retirement.b. times Used to indicate the number of instances by which something is multiplied or divided: This tree is three times taller than that one. My library is many times smaller than hers.7. a. One's lifetime.b. One's period of greatest activity or engagement.c. A person's experience during a specific period or on a certain occasion: had a good time at the party.8. a. A period of military service.b. A period of apprenticeship.c. Informal A prison sentence.9. a. The customary period of work: hired for full time.b. The period spent working.c. The hourly pay rate: earned double time on Sundays.10. The period during which a radio or television program or commercial is broadcast: "There's television time to buy" (Brad Goldstein).11. The rate of speed of a measured activity: marching in double time.12. Music a. The meter of a musical pattern: three-quarter time.b. The rate of speed at which a piece of music is played; the tempo.13. Chiefly British The hour at which a pub closes.14. Sports A time-out.adj.1. Of, relating to, or measuring time.2. Constructed so as to operate at a particular moment: a time release.3. Payable on a future date or dates.4. Of or relating to installment buying: time payments.tr.v. timed, tim·ing, times 1. To set the time for (an event or occasion).2. To adjust to keep accurate time.3. To adjust so that a force is applied or an action occurs at the desired time: timed his swing so as to hit the ball squarely.4. To record the speed or duration of: time a runner.5. To set or maintain the tempo, speed, or duration of: time a manufacturing process.6. To speculate based on the anticipated short-term performance of (a market): time the stock market.Phrasal Verb: time out Computers To be canceled if an expected input is not received after a specified time. Used of processes.Idioms: against time With a quickly approaching time limit: worked against time to deliver the manuscript before the deadline. any time Used to acknowledge an expression of gratitude. at one time1. Simultaneously.2. At a period or moment in the past. at the same time However; nonetheless. at times On occasion; sometimes. behind the times Out-of-date; old-fashioned. for the time being Temporarily. from time to time Once in a while; at intervals. high time The appropriate or urgent time: It's high time that you started working. in good time1. In a reasonable length of time.2. When or before due.3. Quickly. in no time Almost instantly; immediately. in time1. Before a time limit expires.2. Within an indefinite time; eventually: In time they came to accept the harsh facts.3. Music a. In the proper tempo.b. Played with a meter. on time1. According to schedule; punctual or punctually.2. By paying in installments. time after time Again and again; repeatedly. time and again Again and again; repeatedly. time of (one's) life A highly pleasurable experience: We had the time of our lives at the beach. time on (one's) hands An interval with nothing to do. time was There was once a time: "Time was when [urban gangs] were part of a ... subculture that inner-city adolescence outgrew" (George F. Will).

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[Middle English, from Old English tīma; see dā- in Indo-European roots.]

Thesaurus

Adv.

1.

against time - as fast as possible; before a deadline; "it was a race against the clock"against the clock