chrono-, chron-

A clock that has components for the function of showing temperatures: A chronothermometer is a timepiece or chronometer that includes an anti-compensated balance-wheel which is used to indicate mean temperature.

Relating to something that affects the rate of rhythmic movements of the heart: Chronotropic effects can be produced by certain drugs which can change the heart rate and rhythm.

A modification of the rate of a periodic movement of the heart: Chronotropism can be caused by an external influence causing the heart to beat irregularly, too fast, or too slow.

In biology and archaeology, pertaining to the science that uses the placement of the annual growth rings in (ancient) trees to date the correct year of formation: The dendrochronological research by the students was used to date past occurrences in the envirmonemt by comparing the growth rings in old timber.

A specialist in dating by examining tree rings: Mrs. Snow, Jim's mother, was a dendrochronologist who spent most of her time examining the spacings between the annual growth rings of certain trees to date the precise years of development.

The science of tree-ring analysis and its implications: The research of dendrochronology employs a method of dating using annual tree-rings, also termed tree-ring chronology.

In archaeology, dendrochronology utilizes a system of dating wooden objects by analyzing the pattern of their annual rings and comparing this pattern to an established tree-ring sequence for the region.

To cause something to happen at different times: To desynchronize is to prevent things from being done at the same time and speed.

For example, the mechanics at Tom's local automobile shop desynchronize their work, or automatically take care of the various vehicles at different times.

Referring to the lack of synchrony: Desynchronous effects arise when there is an absence of simultaneous occurrences of two events, as in brain waves.

1. In medicine, relating to something systematically observed over time in the same subjects throughout as opposed to synchronic or cross-sectional: In his studies, John was involved in diachronic research regarding patients only where there was strict stability of all elements.
2. Pertaining to a linguistic study concerned with the historical development of a language: Since Jane was interested in languages, she decided to learn more about the diachronic features of German throughout time.
3. In archaeology, denoting actions or things which occur over time: In Sam's diachronic research, he classified the artifacts he had found in his region as they developed or changed throughout sequential periods of time.

1. The existence of a geological feature that transgresses palaeontological zones: An example of diachronism is a great divergence between the lithological and chronological classifications.
2. The existence within a single geologic formation of regions of rock that were laid down at different times: Diachronism can be exemplified by a sea that gradually covered a landmass.

Describing a lithological unit whose age varies from place to place, or a lithological unit (rock formation) which cuts across various times or biostratigraphic zones; time-transgressive: A diachronous sedimentation can be seen in a geological deposit in which a sedimentary rock formation apparently consists of similar material, but varies in age from place to place.

For example, as a shoreline advances or retreats, a succession of continuous deposits representing different environments, such as a beach, shallow water, and deeper water, may be left behind as their ages vary depending on the positions of the shorelines through the various time sequences.

A disturbance in the consciousness of time: Because Jill had a very high fever, she suffered from a condition of dischronation and did not know if it were day or night.

Disturbed time relation, especially happening after changing places from one time zone to another that is five to ten hours ahead or behind: Dyschronism leads to a disturbance of one's biological rhythm when flying from Canada to Germany!

Relating to something that disagrees as to time; the opposite of synchronous: The hikers compared the time on their watches and were surprised to see that they were all dyschronous and not showing the correct time!

1. A converter in which motor and generator windings are combined on one armature and excited by one magnetic field: A synchronous converter is normally used to change alternating to direct current and is also known as a converter or electric converter.
2. A synchronous device used to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), or the reverse: The AC-to-DC converter, provided by the synchronous converter, has been replaced by a mercury arc rectifier (for reasons of efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and fewer problems) or by motor-generator sets.