Phrase guide

arrow of time

noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The direction of time within a four-dimensional relativistic view of the cosmos.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: natural-sciences, physical-sciences, physics

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

The subjective feeling of movement from past to future.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: human-sciences, philosophy, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

Entropy.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Reported coined in 1927.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: ajan nuoli — direction of time in 4D
  • Polish: strzałka czasu — direction of time in 4D
  • Portuguese: seta do tempo — direction of time in 4D
  • Romanian: săgeata timpului — direction of time in 4D