coordinated universal time
noun
Greenwich Time that is adjusted to minimize its divergence from international atomic time. Abbreviation: UTC
Words nearby coordinated universal time
coordinate,
coordinate bond,
coordinate clause,
coordinate geometry,
coordinate system,
coordinated universal time,
coordinates,
coordinating conjunction,
coordination,
coordination compound,
coordination number
Scientific definitions for coordinated universal time
coordinated universal time
[ kō-ôr′dn-ā′tĭd ]
A highly accurate time scale based on time measured by an atomic clock. Because coordinated universal time is unaffected by the gradual slowing of Earth's rotation, leap seconds are added as needed to synchronize it with the sidereal (rotation-based) universal time. Coordinated universal time is used internationally for scientific and technical purposes. Compare universal time.