Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Happening or existing at the same time: Describes events, actions, or processes that occur simultaneously or in unison.
   • Having the same rate, period, or phase: Describes cycles, oscillations, or signals that are aligned in timing and rhythm.
   • (Digital communication) Pertaining to a coordinated transmission technique: Refers to a method where communicating devices share a common timing signal (clock) to coordinate data exchange.

Usage Examples

• General Use (Simultaneous Events):
  • The recovery of the patient was synchronous with the new therapy.
  • The dancers' movements were perfectly synchronous.
• Technical Use (Aligned Timing):
  • The synchronous action of a bird's wings in flight is fascinating to observe.
  • The system uses synchronous motors to ensure all parts move together.
• Computing/Digital Communication:
  • Synchronous communication requires a clock signal to coordinate data transfer between devices.

Advanced Usage

• "Synchronous learning": An educational model where instructors and students participate in learning activities at the same time, typically via live video conferencing.
  • The university offers both synchronous and asynchronous online courses.
• "Synchronous orbit": (Geostationary orbit) An orbit where a satellite's orbital period matches the rotation period of the Earth, making it appear stationary from the ground.
  • Communications satellites are often placed in synchronous orbit.

Variants and Related Words

• Synchronously (adverb): In a synchronous manner.
  • The two processes run synchronously.
• Synchrony (noun): The state of being synchronous; simultaneous action.
  • The synchrony of the swimmers was impressive.
• Synchronize (verb): To cause to occur or operate at the same time or rate.
  • Please synchronize your watches.
• Asynchronous (adjective): The opposite of synchronous; not occurring at the same time or rate.

Synonyms

• Simultaneous: Happening or done at the same time.
• Concurrent: Existing, happening, or done at the same time.
• Coincident: Occurring together in time or space.
• In sync: (Informal) In synchronization; working well together at the same time.

Antonyms

• Asynchronous: Not synchronous; not occurring at the same time.
• Sequential: Forming or following a logical order or sequence in time.
• Metachronous: Occurring at different times.

Related Phrases and Technical Terms

• Synchronous Data Transmission: A method of data transfer where the sender and receiver are coordinated by a timing signal.
• Synchronous Motor: An AC electric motor whose rotation is synchronized with the frequency of the supply current.
• Synchronous Collaboration: Real-time collaboration where participants interact simultaneously.

Adjective

1. (digital communication) pertaining to a transmission technique that requires a common clock signal (a timing reference) between the communicating devices in order to coordinate their transmissions
2. occurring or existing at the same time or having the same period or phase
   • recovery was synchronous with therapy- Jour.A.M.A.
   • a synchronous set of clocks
   • the synchronous action of a bird's wings in flight
   • synchronous oscillations