2 → see also egg timer
time|scale /ta I mske I l/ (timescales ) also time scale N‑COUNT The timescale of an event is the length of time during which it happens or develops. □ [+ for ] He gave no timescale for these steps.
ti me-server (time-servers ) also timeserver N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a time-server , you disapprove of them because they are making very little effort at work and are just waiting until they retire or leave for a new job. [DISAPPROVAL ]
ti me-share (time-shares ) also time share N‑VAR If you have a time-share , you have the right to use a particular property as holiday accommodation for a specific amount of time each year.
ti me sig|nal (time signals ) N‑COUNT The time signal is the series of high-pitched sounds that are broadcast at certain times on the radio, for example at exactly one o'clock or exactly six o'clock. [BRIT ]
ti me sig|na|ture (time signatures ) N‑COUNT The time signature of a piece of music consists of two numbers written at the beginning that show how many beats there are in each bar.
ti me slot (time slots ) N‑COUNT A television or radio programme's time slot is the time when it is broadcast. □ 90 per cent of listeners had stayed with the programme when it changed its time slot.
ti me switch (time switches ) N‑COUNT A time switch is a device that causes a machine to start or stop working at specific times.
time|table /ta I mte I b ə l/ (timetables , timetabling , timetabled )
1 N‑COUNT A timetable is a plan of the times when particular events are to take place. □ Don't you realize we're working to a timetable? We have to have results. □ [+ for ] The two countries are to try to agree a timetable for formal talks.
2 N‑COUNT In a school or college, a timetable is a list that shows the times in the week at which particular subjects are taught. You can also refer to the range of subjects that a student learns or the classes that a teacher teaches as their timetable . [BRIT ] □ Options are offered subject to staff availability and the constraints of the timetable. in AM, usually use class schedule 3 N‑COUNT A timetable is a list of the times when trains, boats, buses, or aeroplanes are supposed to arrive at or leave from a particular place. [mainly BRIT ] □ For a local bus timetable, contact Dyfed County Council. in AM, usually use schedule 4 VERB [usu passive] If something is timetabled , it is scheduled to happen or do something at a particular time. [mainly BRIT ] □ [be V -ed] On both days, three very different trains will be timetabled. □ [be V -ed to-inf] Opie is timetabled to work a four-day week.
ti me tri|al (time trials ) N‑COUNT In cycling and some other sports, a time trial is a contest in which competitors race along a course individually, in as fast a time as possible, instead of racing directly against each other.
ti me wast|er (time wasters ) also time-waster N‑COUNT If you say that someone or something is a time waster , you mean that they cause you to spend a lot of time doing something that is unnecessary or does not produce any benefit. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Surfing the Internet is fun, but it's also a time waster.
ti me-worn also timeworn ADJ Something that is time-worn is old or has been used a lot over a long period of time. □ Even in the dim light the equipment looked old and time-worn.
ti me zone (time zones ) also time-zone N‑COUNT A time zone is one of the areas into which the world is divided where the time is calculated as being a particular number of hours behind or ahead of GMT.
tim|id /t I m I d/
1 ADJ Timid people are shy, nervous, and have no courage or confidence in themselves. □ A timid child, Isabella had learned obedience at an early age. ● ti|mid|ity /t I m I d I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ She doesn't ridicule my timidity. ● tim|id|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ The little boy stepped forward timidly and shook Leo's hand.
2 ADJ If you describe someone's attitudes or actions as timid , you are criticizing them for being too cautious or slow to act, because they are nervous about the possible consequences of their actions. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The President's critics say he has been too timid in responding to changing international developments. ● ti|mid|ity N‑UNCOUNT □ He was soon disillusioned by the government's timidity on social reform. ● tim|id|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ A number of these states are moving timidly towards multi-party democracy.
tim|ing /ta I m I ŋ/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Timing is the skill or action of judging the right moment in a situation or activity at which to do something. □ His photo is a wonderful happy moment, caught with perfect timing.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Timing is used to refer to the time at which something happens or is planned to happen, or to the length of time that something takes. □ [+ of ] The timing of this meeting was extremely important.
3 → see also time
tim|or|ous /t I mərəs/
1 ADJ If you describe someone as timorous , you mean that they are frightened and nervous of other people and situations. [LITERARY ] □ He is a reclusive, timorous creature.
2 ADJ If you describe someone's actions or decisions as timorous , you are criticizing them for being too cautious or weak, because the person is not very confident and is worried about the possible consequences of their actions. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Some delegates believe the final declaration is likely to be too timorous.
tim|pa|ni /t I mpəni/ N‑PLURAL Timpani are large drums that are played in an orchestra.
tin /t I n/ (tins )