split seconds
Blinks of time
Split seconds are extremely brief moments—fractions of a second.
The phrase emphasizes just how little time elapsed: The crash happened in split seconds.
More common is the singular form, which also works as a modifier: a split-second decision, split-second timing.
Passing very quickly
- momentaryLasting very briefly
- instantBriefest unit of time
- flashBrief burst of light
- blinkRapid lid movement
heartbeat · nanosecond · microsecond · tick · twinkling · glimpse · flicker · snap
Time limit for completion
- crisisDecisive dangerous moment
- pressureForce upon contact
- criticalExpressing disapproval or importance
- emergencySerious sudden danger
life-or-death · decisive · clutch · make-or-break · pivotal · crucial · reflex · instinct
Interval timing device
- chronometerPrecision timekeeping instrument
- millisecondTiny time unit
- intervalDuration between two points
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
measurement · synchronization · reaction time · countdown · timekeeping · photo finish · sensor · digital clock
Race decided by camera
- pole positionFrontmost starting spot
- pit stopBrief maintenance pause
- qualifyingMeeting required criteria
- lap timeDuration of one circuit
checkered flag · drag race · sprint · finish line · overtake · pace · acceleration · reaction time
fleeting
Passing very quickly
blink · heartbeat · nanosecond · microsecond · tick · twinkling · glimpse · flicker · snap · breath
deadline
Time limit for completion
- crisisDecisive dangerous moment
- pressureForce upon contact
- criticalExpressing disapproval or importance
emergency · life-or-death · decisive · clutch · make-or-break · pivotal · crucial · reflex · instinct · snap decision
stopwatch
Interval timing device
- chronometerPrecision timekeeping instrument
- millisecondTiny time unit
- intervalDuration between two points
precision · measurement · synchronization · reaction time · countdown · timekeeping · photo finish · sensor · digital clock · lap time
photo finish
Race decided by camera
- pole positionFrontmost starting spot
- pit stopBrief maintenance pause
- qualifyingMeeting required criteria
lap time · checkered flag · drag race · sprint · finish line · overtake · pace · acceleration · reaction time · starting block