time-of-flight

adjective

ˈtīm-ə(v)-ˈflīt 

: of, relating to, being, or done with an instrument (such as a mass spectrometer) that separates particles (such as ions) according to the time required for them to traverse a tube of a certain length

Examples of time-of-flight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The researchers examined its composition and formation using techniques including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026

Obstacle Avoidance systems usually feature six vision sensors (two at the front, rear and bottom) and a downward infrared time-of-flight (ToF) sensor. — James Abbott, Space.com, 24 Feb. 2026

Not a Wheelchair—an EV EV1 combines two lidar units, two cameras, 10 time-of-flight depth sensors, and six ultrasonic sensors. — IEEE Spectrum, 17 Feb. 2026

The breakthrough came with a time-of-flight camera, which allowed the flying umbrella to track and follow a user directly, even in the dark. — New Atlas, 31 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for time-of-flight

• actinolite
• adipocyte
• amphibolite
• anorthosite
• anthophyllite
• aragonite
• carbonatite
• cassiterite
• chalcopyrite
• cristobalite
• crocidolite
• diatomite

Medical Definition

time-of-flight

adjective

ˌtīm-ə(v)-ˌflīt 

: of, relating to, being, or done with an instrument (as a mass spectrometer) that separates particles (as ions) according to the time required for them to traverse a tube of a certain length

a time-of-flight imaging system

time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography

—abbreviation TOF