microsecond

noun

mi·​cro·​sec·​ond ˈmī-krō-ˌse-kənd How to pronounce microsecond (audio)
-kənt
Synonyms of microsecondnext
: one millionth of a second

Examples of microsecond in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The camera read out 740 frames per second with exposures of 100 microseconds. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2026 In industries like high-frequency trading, microseconds already carry financial value. — Ivo Ivanov, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 The microsecond a branch bumps an outdoor line, these smart systems detect the disruption and cut the power to that specific wire before a spark can even form. — Jasmine Garland, The Conversation, 7 July 2026 Microsoft said the improved qubit stability, combined with operation speeds measured in microseconds and extremely small qubit dimensions, has strengthened its confidence in reaching a scalable quantum computer by the end of the decade. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for microsecond

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of microsecond was in 1906

Rhymes for microsecond

See All Rhymes for microsecond

Browse Nearby Words

microscopy
microsecond
microseism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Microsecond.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microsecond. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

microsecond

noun
mi·​cro·​sec·​ond ˌmī-krō-ˈsek-ənd How to pronounce microsecond (audio)
-ənt
: one millionth of a second

Medical Definition

microsecond

noun
mi·​cro·​sec·​ond ˈmī-krō-ˌsek-ənd, -ənt How to pronounce microsecond (audio)
: one millionth of a second

More from Merriam-Webster on microsecond

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