dictionary definitions for "interval"


From WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003) [wn]:

  interval
      n 1: a definite length of time marked off by two instants [syn:
           time interval]
      2: a set containing all points (or all real numbers) between
         two given endpoints
      3: the distance between things; "fragile items require
         separation and cushioning" [syn: separation]
      4: the difference in pitch between two notes [syn: {musical
         interval}]

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Interval \In"ter*val\, n. [L. intervallum; inter between +
     vallum a wall: cf. F. intervalle. See Wall.]
     [1913 Webster]
     1. A space between things; a void space intervening between
        any two objects; as, an interval between two houses or
        hills.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              'Twixt host and host but narrow space was left,
              A dreadful interval.                  --Milton.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. Space of time between any two points or events; as, the
        interval between the death of Charles I. of England, and
        the accession of Charles II.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. A brief space of time between the recurrence of similar
        conditions or states; as, the interval between paroxysms
        of pain; intervals of sanity or delirium.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. (Mus.) Difference in pitch between any two tones.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     At intervals, coming or happening with intervals between;
        now and then. "And Miriam watch'd and dozed at intervals."
        --Tennyson.
  
     Augmented interval (Mus.), an interval increased by half a
        step or half a tone. Interval

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Interval \In"ter*val\, Intervale \In"ter*vale\, n.
     A tract of low ground between hills, or along the banks of a
     stream, usually alluvial land, enriched by the overflowings
     of the river, or by fertilizing deposits of earth from the
     adjacent hills. Cf. Bottom, n., 7. [Local, U. S.]
     [1913 Webster]
  
           The woody intervale just beyond the marshy land. --The
                                                    Century.
     [1913 Webster]


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