What does utc mean for time zone Meaning and Definition

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What does utc mean for time zone

What does utc mean for time zone

Pronunciation

/juːtiːˈsiː/

Part of Speech

Abbreviation

Definition

UTC stands for Coordinated Universal Time. It is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time. It is not subject to daylight saving time or seasonal adjustments, serving as a universal reference point for time zones around the globe.

Examples

  • The conference call will be held at 3 PM UTC.
  • The system will synchronize its clock with the UTC time zone.

Synonyms

  • Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
  • Coordinated Universal Time

Antonyms

  • Local time
  • Standard time

Additional Information

UTC is essential in coordinating time across different regions, particularly in global communication, transportation, and business. The term ‘UTC’ was first used in the 1960s to refer to a new, modern time standard. Since then, it has become the de facto standard for coordinating time worldwide.

The abbreviation ‘UTC’ does not follow the typical convention of being an abbreviation for a phrase. It is derived from the English term ‘Coordinated Universal Time’ and the French term ‘Temps Universel Coordonné.’ As a result, it does not expand to a single English or French phrase, but is rather a blend of the two languages.

One interesting aspect of UTC is that it has ‘leap seconds,’ which are used to keep it aligned with the Earth’s rotation. This can result in occasional ‘extra’ seconds added to or removed from UTC to ensure that it stays synchronized with our planet’s rotation.

Etymology

UTC was established in the 1960s, derived from the English term ‘Coordinated Universal Time’ and the French term ‘Temps Universel Coordonné.’ It is an abbreviation that does not expand to a single English or French phrase but rather serves as a unique blend of both languages.

Usage Notes

UTC is used to express the time of events that require precise time coordination, such as scientific observations, business transactions, and global events. It is often used in international communication to avoid confusion with different local time zones.

Cultural References

UTC is widely referenced in science fiction and films as a global time standard, especially when dealing with time travel or space exploration.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

‘Sync up with UTC’ is a phrase often used in computer and IT contexts to ensure that clocks are aligned with the universal time standard.

Related Words or Phrases

  • GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
  • Time zone
  • Leap second

Collocations

  • UTC time
  • UTC zone
  • Sync with UTC

Frequency of Use

UTC is a widely used term, particularly in global communication, transportation, and international business. Its frequency of use has increased over the years due to globalization and technological advancements.

Common Misspellings

  • UTZ
  • UTC time zone

Related Words