ultra-short
Definition
- Adjective:
- Extremely short in duration or length: "ultra-short" describes something that is notably shorter than usual, often to an extreme degree. This term is frequently used in technical contexts (e.g., radio waves) or in everyday language to emphasize brevity.
- Relating to very high frequency radio waves: In physics and telecommunications, "ultra-short" specifically refers to radio waves with very short wavelengths (typically in the meter or centimeter range), such as those used for FM broadcasting or radar.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The meeting was ultra-short, lasting only five minutes. (Extremely brief in duration.)
- Ultra-short waves are used in television broadcasting. (Radio waves with very short wavelengths.)
Advanced Usage
"ultra-short story": a very brief work of fiction, often only a few sentences or paragraphs long.
- She wrote an ultra-short story about a lost key. (A minimalistic narrative.)
"ultra-short-term": referring to a period of time that is extremely brief, often in finance or planning.
- The company focuses on ultra-short-term investments. (Investments held for only a few days or hours.)
Variants and Related Words
Ultrashort (adj): a common alternative spelling of "ultra-short," used interchangeably.
- The ultrashort pulse of light lasted a femtosecond. (An extremely brief light emission.)
Ultra-shortwave (n): a radio wave with a very short wavelength, typically less than one meter.
- Ultra-shortwaves are essential for satellite communication. (Very high frequency radio waves.)
Synonyms
- Brief: short in duration; concise.
- Fleeting: lasting for a very short time.
- Momentary: lasting only a moment.
Related Idioms
In the blink of an eye: extremely quickly; in a very short time.
- The event was over in the blink of an eye, just like an ultra-short film. (Very brief.)
Short and sweet: pleasantly brief.
- Her speech was ultra-short, short and sweet. (Brief but effective.)