Definition of interval
1a : a space of time between events or statesb British : intermission
2a : a space between objects, units, points, or statesb : the difference in pitch between two tones
3 : a set of real numbers between two numbers either including or excluding one or both of them
4 : one of a series of fast-paced exercises interspersed with slower ones or brief rests for training (as of an athlete)
Examples of interval in a sentence
a three-month interval between jobs
There might be long intervals during which nothing happens.
The sun shone for brief intervals throughout the day.
There will be a 20-minute interval between acts one and two.
Origin and Etymology of interval
Middle English intervalle, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French entreval, from Latin intervallum space between ramparts, interval, from inter- + vallum rampart — more at wall
First Known Use: 14th century
INTERVAL Defined for English Language Learners
interval
playDefinition of interval for English Language Learners
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: a period of time between events
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music : the difference in pitch between two notes
INTERVAL Defined for Kids
interval
playDefinition of interval for Students
1 : a period of time between events or states There was a short interval between shows.
2 : a space between things Signs were posted at regular intervals.
3 : the difference in pitch between two tones
Medical Dictionary
interval
playMedical Definition of interval
: a space of time between events or states intervals between pregnancies
Learn More about interval
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for interval Spanish Central: Translation of interval Nglish: Translation of interval for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of interval for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about interval
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