coordinated universal time

American  

[koh-awr-dn-ey-tid yoo-nuh-vur-suhl tahym] / koʊˈɔr dnˌeɪ tɪd ˌyu nəˈvɜr səl ˌtaɪm /

noun

1. Greenwich Time that is adjusted to minimize its divergence from international atomic time. UTC

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coordinated universal time Scientific  

/ kō-ôr′dn-ā′tĭd /

1. A highly accurate time scale based on time measured by an atomic clock. Because coordinated universal time is unaffected by the gradual slowing of Earth's rotation, leap seconds are added as needed to synchronize it with the sidereal (rotation-based) universal time. Coordinated universal time is used internationally for scientific and technical purposes.

2. Compare universal time

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Etymology

Origin of coordinated universal time

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Each lunar mission uses its own timescale that is linked, through its handlers on Earth, to coordinated universal time, or UTc — the standard against which the planet’s clocks are set.

From Scientific American • Jan. 26, 2023

But without leap seconds, what happens to coordinated universal time?

From The Verge • Jul. 26, 2022

Along with other clocks across the globe, it provides the world with its coordinated universal time.

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2016