1 a period of time between two events:
The interval between major earthquakes might be 200 years. * He knocked on the door and after a brief interval it was opened.
2 (BrE) (also intermission AmE, BrE) a short period of time separating parts of a play, film/movie or concert:
There will be an interval of 20 minutes after the second act. -< BREAK
3 [usuallypl.] a short period during which sth different happens from what is happening the rest of the time:
She's delirious, but has lucid intervals. * (BrE) The day should be mainly dry with sunny intervals.
4 (music) a difference in PITCH (= how high or low a note sounds) between two notes:
an interval of one octave
IDIOMS
at (...) intervals
1 with time between:
Buses to the city leave at regular intervals. * The runners started at 5-minute intervals.
2 with spaces between:
Flaming torches were positioned at intervals along the terrace.
