Definition of synchronous
1 : happening, existing, or arising at precisely the same time
2 : recurring or operating at exactly the same periods
3 : involving or indicating synchronism
4a : having the same period; also : having the same period and phaseb : geostationary
5 : of, used in, or being digital communication (as between computers) in which a common timing signal is established that dictates when individual bits can be transmitted and which allows for very high rates of data transfer
synchronously
adverbsynchronousness
nounExplore Merriam-Webster
Examples of synchronous in a Sentence
the synchronous arrival of a baby sister and loss of a beloved grandmother strongly affected the child
Recent Examples of synchronous from the Web
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Fordyce proposed two methods for placing the LM REL into its operational orbit (a Syncom 2-type synchronous orbit inclined 13.2° relative to Earth’s equator).
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'synchronous'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
Communications satellites are usually put into a synchronous (or geosynchronous) orbit, circling the earth once every 24 hours and so appearing to hover over a single spot on the surface. This type of synchronized movement is important, since you have to know where to aim your satellite dish. In the computer field, synchronous usually refers to the use of a simple timing signal that permits very rapid exchange of data between computers. The kind of mysterious coincidence sometimes called synchronicity—such as the appearance of two different comic-strip characters named Dennis the Menace in the U.S. and Britain within three days of each other in 1951—has fascinated people for centuries.
Origin and Etymology of synchronous
Late Latin synchronos, from Greek, from syn- + chronos time
Synonym Discussion of synchronous
SYNCHRONOUS Defined for English Language Learners
synchronous
playDefinition of synchronous for English Language Learners
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: happening, moving, or existing at the same time
Medical Dictionary
synchronous
playMedical Definition of synchronous
1: happening, existing, or arising at precisely the same time
2: recurring or operating at exactly the same periods
3: having the same period; also : having the same period and phase
synchronously
adverbLearn More about synchronous
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for synchronous
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