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Glite Dictionary
terrestrial time

terrestrial time

1 9.0
A clock system that uses Earth's movement around the Sun and corrects for Earth's irregular motion
  • noun
  • /tɛˈrɛstrɪəl taɪm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : tiempo terrestre
  • The scientists calculated terrestrial time for their experiments.

Examples

  • Atomic clocks are used to maintain the accuracy of terrestrial time standards.

  • Modern astronomers synchronize their clocks to terrestrial time for precise measurements.

  • The discrepancy between universal time and terrestrial time affects calculations of celestial events.

  • What is terrestrial time exactly?

  • The spacecraft's landing was scheduled for 11 AM terrestrial time to ensure optimal conditions.

  • Astronomers often convert Universal Time to terrestrial time to synchronize observations with Earth-based events.

  • When planning the satellite launch, the team adjusted all schedules to reflect terrestrial time for accurate coordination.

Synonyms

TT
vsterrestrial time
  • Specialized
2 9.9

A precise time used by astronomers, based on Earth's orbit, to calculate planet positions

is the full-name form referring to the same precise reference standard
TDT
vsterrestrial time
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A steady time based on Earth's motion used by astronomers and to guide spacecraft

is the modern term focusing on correcting irregularities in Earth's motion
terrestrial dynamical time
vsterrestrial time
  • Specialized
9.9

A time system based on Earth's orbit used to calculate planet positions

is the updated label used for that corrected mean solar time
ephemeris time
vsterrestrial time
  • Archaic
9.9

Time measured by Earth's orbit, used for exact calculations of planet positions

is the modern, more precise standard correcting mean solar time irregularities

Surface Forms

terrestrial time singular
terrestrial times plural

Morphology

terrestrial + time

The compound meaning 'time pertaining to the Earth' is directly and transparently composed from 'terrestrial' (pertaining to Earth) + 'time' (measured moments). Although the full technical definition is specialized within astronomy, a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer it refers to a time standard based on Earth's motions.

Etymology

Terrestrial time comes from the idea of time tied to the Earth; 'terrestrial' means 'of the Earth', and the phrase grew from using the Earth's movement to mark time. Today scientists keep that Earth-based time with very accurate atomic clocks, so terrestrial time means the official time scale 'measured by the Earth's movement' that astronomers use for precise work.