real time

¹

[ ree-uhl, reel ]

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.

real-time

²

[ ree-uhl-tahym, reel- ]

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

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of real time¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in real time, Informal. at once; instantaneously.