real time

[ree-uh l, 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.
Idioms
3.
in real time, Informal. at once; instantaneously.
Origin
1950-55

real-time

[ree-uh l-tahym, reel-] /ˈri əlˈtaɪm, ˈril-/
adjective, Computers.
1.
of or pertaining to applications in which the computer must respond as rapidly as required by the user or necessitated by the process being controlled.
Examples from the web for real time
  • real time intelligence relied on instantaneous information, something a lot of space craft cannot do.
  • The information is updated in real time by the users and is accessible to all those on the network at all times.
  • The real time sink isn't preparing the information in a new format.
  • The video footage, along with audio, can be played in real time on the tablet and are also saved for later reference.
  • Moisture readings are sent in real time to a processing centre via a satellite link.
  • Satellite images allow meteorologists to track weather patterns in real time and powerful computers model its probable course.
  • For instance, scientists could watch in real time how an animal's organs develop.
  • People concerned about wildlife and wild places can view problems in real time and track the impact of their own contributions.
  • If played in real time, these segments would be about one-tenth of a second long.
  • They are cataloging flora and fauna and taking pictures and, in real time, they are sending them up the wireless network.
British Dictionary definitions for real time

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 in Culture

real-time definition


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