1. one billionth of a second
Usage: scientific; technical
2. an extremely short period of time
Usage: informal

Examples

• The computer processor can execute instructions in nanoseconds.
• Light travels about one foot in a nanosecond.
• The laser pulse lasted only a few nanoseconds.
• Modern electronics operate at nanosecond speeds.
• He made the decision in a nanosecond.
• The reaction time was measured in nanoseconds.
• Data transfer occurs within nanoseconds in fiber optic cables.