split-second

1. (attributive) A stopwatch with two second hands, each of which may be stopped separately to time the intervals of a race by a sportsperson, or to time more than one sportsperson.
2. A fraction of a second; hence (figurative, also attributive) a very short time period; an instant, a moment.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˌsplɪtˈsɛk(ə)nd/

Etymology

From split (adjective) + second (noun), from split second(s) hands: see sense 1.

Synonyms

instant

Translations

Sekundenbruchteile

fraction de seconde

frazione di secondo