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.

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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.

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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

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real-time Cultural  

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

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Etymology

Origin of real time

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

We’re learning in real time just how easy it is for upbeat global financial markets to co-exist with a world in unprecedented turmoil.

From Barron's

We’re learning in real time just how easy it is for upbeat global financial markets to co-exist with a world in unprecedented turmoil.

From Barron's

As last year’s wildfires multiplied, still 0% contained, field reporters — tasked with articulating the unintelligible on camera — grieved alongside Los Angeles in real time.

From Los Angeles Times

The aim is to find a material that can store information, perform computation, and adapt within the same physical structure and do so in real time.

From Science Daily

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