real-time

¹ American  

[ree-uhl-tahym, reel-] / ˈri əlˈtaɪm, ˈril- /

adjective

Computers.

1. of or relating to applications in which the computer must respond as rapidly as required by the user or necessitated by the process being controlled.

---

real time ² American  

[ree-uhl, reel] / ˈri əl, ril /

noun

1. Computers. the actual time elapsed in the performance of a computation by a computer, the result of the computation being required for the continuation of a physical process.

2. the actual time during which a process takes place or an event occurs.

---

idioms

1. in real time, at once; instantaneously.

real-time British  

adjective

1. denoting or relating to a data-processing system in which a computer receives constantly changing data, such as information relating to air-traffic control, travel booking systems, etc, and processes it sufficiently rapidly to be able to control the source of the data

---

real-time Cultural  

1. A term used to describe computer systems that update information at the same rate as they receive data.

---

Etymology

Origin of real time

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Professor Roger Highfield, director of the Science Museum Group believes "digital twins" - virtual versions of a physical object, updated using real time data - could become a regular feature in our lives.

From BBC

“In retail, this means agents can continuously monitor sales, supply chains, inventory and consumer behavior, and autonomously adjust prices, reorder stock and tailor marketing in real time,” Chen said.

From MarketWatch

Catching these events in real time gives scientists a rare window into how planets form and what kinds of materials come together to build new worlds.

From Science Daily

He said Swiss authorities were "in close contact with the victims' families, whom we are informing in real time, as well as with the various embassies involved".

From Barron's

He said authorities were "in close contact with the victims' families, whom we are informing in real time, as well as with the various embassies involved".

From Barron's