stop watch
Noun: A portable timekeeping device, specifically a watch, designed to measure elapsed time intervals with high precision. It features a mechanism that can be instantly started, stopped, and reset to zero, typically by pressing a button. Its primary function is for timing events, such as races, experiments, or sporting activities, where accurate measurement of duration is required.
The term "stop watch" is used to refer to the physical timing instrument itself. It is commonly associated with sports, science, and any scenario requiring precise time measurement. - The official used a stop watch to time the 100-meter sprint. - For the chemistry experiment, you will need a stop watch to record the reaction time. - He checked his stop watch as the runner crossed the finish line.
- "to time with a stop watch": To measure the duration of an event using this specific instrument.
- The coach timed each lap with a stop watch.
- Stopwatch: This is a common alternative spelling, often written as a single word (stopwatch). The meaning is identical.
- She started the stopwatch as the race began.
- Timer: A more general term for any device that measures time intervals. A stopwatch is a type of timer.
- Set the kitchen timer for ten minutes. (This could be a digital device, not necessarily a handheld stopwatch.)
- Chronograph: A technical term, often for a watch that includes a stopwatch function as one of its features.
- Timekeeper: A broader term for a person or device that measures or records time.
- Split time: A reading taken on a stopwatch at an intermediate point during an event, without stopping the overall timing.
- The runner's split time at the halfway mark was excellent.
- Lap time: The time recorded for one complete circuit or segment, often using the lap function on a digital stopwatch.
- Her lap times were consistently fast.
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a timepiece that can be started or stopped for exact timing (as of a race)