interval

Universal Words noun 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.