interval
/ˈɪntɚvəl/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 3.77 in modern English
11
Scrabble Score
8
Letters
3
Syllables
8
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
noun
The difference (a ratio or logarithmic measure) in pitch between two notes, often referring to those two pitches themselves (otherwise known as a dyad).
noun
half time, a scheduled intermission between the periods of play.
Example Sentences
- "'Twixt host and host but narrow space was left, / A dreadful interval."
- "[M]any attempts were made to prevent the spreading of it [the fire] by pulling down Houses, and making great Intervals, but all in vain, the Fire seizing upon the Timber and Rubbish, and so continuing it set even through those spaces […]"
- "the interval between contractions during childbirth"
- "Spain made three substitutions at the interval, sending on former Arsenal captain Fabregas, Chelsea's Juan Mata and Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina for Xavi, David Silva and Casillas."
Etymology
From Middle English interval, intervalle, from Old French intervalle, entreval, from Latin intervallum (“space between, interval, distance, interval of time, pause, difference; literally, space between two palisades or walls”), from inter (“between”) + vallum (“palisade, wall”).
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: interval, intervalle, intervallum
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈɪntɚvəl/
- British English: /ˈɪntəvəʊ/