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Agency Dictionary

Millisecond

nounPronunciation: /ˈmɪl.əˌsɛk.ənd/

In Portuguese: Milissegundo

What does “Millisecond” mean?

A unit of time equal to one thousandth of a second.

Etymology

A compound of milli-, the SI prefix for one thousandth, from Latin mille (a thousand), and second, the base unit of time. Second in its temporal sense comes from Medieval Latin secunda (minuta), meaning second small division of the hour, from secundus (following, second). The millisecond as a standard measurement unit became common with the spread of precise timekeeping technology.

Word family

  • second
  • microsecond
  • nanosecond

Usage examples

  • In a millisecond, your consumer or audience will make a decision: to love or hate, to ignore or to crave your brand.

Concepts

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Words of the same theme

Buttonnoun
A physical or graphical control element that triggers an immediate action or command when pressed or clicked. In software interfaces, buttons communicate system affordances through visual boundaries and labels.
Screennoun
A flat physical display surface on an electronic device that projects visual images, interfaces, and text to a viewer. It serves as the primary visual output medium for modern personal computers and mobile phones.
Rendernoun
A finished two-dimensional image or video generated from a three-dimensional mathematical scene by computer software. It synthesizes geometric coordinates, lighting algorithms, textures, and shading into final pixels.
syntheticadjective
Produced by artificial or chemical synthesis rather than originating from natural or organic processes.
androidnoun
A robot or synthetic organism designed to possess human form, movement, or intelligent behavior.
aqueductnoun
An engineered conduit or bridge designed to convey water from distant freshwater springs into urban centers using gravity flow.
Assistantnoun
A person or computational software program that provides aid, support, or automated services to facilitate work and handle routine tasks.
asynchronousadjective
Not occurring at the same time or coordinated simultaneously, describing workflows or interactions handled independently across time.
binaryadjective
Relating to or composed of two things, specifically a computational numbering system using base two digits.
Compassnoun
A navigational instrument equipped with a magnetized needle indicating magnetic north and other cardinal directions. Metaphorically, it designates an ethical principle or core belief providing personal guidance.
Consolenoun
A text-based command interface inside computer software where system operators and players enter manual code commands. In video games, opening the console allows users to modify internal variables and enter cheats.
Databasenoun
A structured, organized collection of digitized data stored electronically in a computer system and accessible through various retrieval and querying mechanisms.

Also from these editions: terms

Autodidacticadjective
Relating to or characterized by self-directed instruction, independent learning, and mastery without formal mentors.
Captivatingadjective
Capable of attracting, holding, or enchanting interest and affection through irresistible charm or aesthetic power.
Conservatoirenoun
A specialized academy or college devoted to the study and master instruction of music or other performing arts.
Copywritingnoun
The professional activity of writing persuasive text and scripts for marketing, branding, and advertising campaigns.
Cynicaladjective
Believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; expressing distrust, sarcasm, or skepticism regarding human sincerity.
Guitaristnoun
A musician who plays the guitar with technical skill and artistic interpretation.
Incentivenoun
A motivating factor, reward, or condition that incites or encourages an individual or business to take action.
Instinctiveadjective
Prompted by natural instinct or innate impulse rather than conscious reasoning or learned habits.
Palettenoun
A chosen range or set of colors, sounds, or stylistic elements used by an artist or brand designer.
Protagonistnoun
The principal character or leading figure in a dramatic production, novel, or historical movement.
Voiceovernoun
A piece of spoken narration in a movie, broadcast, or commercial spoken by an unseen narrator.

Also from these editions: concepts

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Cite this entry

“Millisecond”. Agency Wiki, Agency Brasil. Published on November 11, 2026. https://www.agencybrasil.com/en/wiki/dictionary/millisecond