arrow of time

noun

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

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Meanings

nounarrow of time (plural arrows of time)

plural arrows of time · alternative time's arrow

  1. natural sciencesThe direction of time within a four-dimensional relativistic view of the cosmos.
  2. human sciencesThe subjective feeling of movement from past to future.
  3. Entropy.

Origin

Reported coined in 1927.

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

Finnish ajan nuoli
  • ajan nuolidirection of time in 4D
Polish strzałka czasu
  • strzałka czasudirection of time in 4D
Portuguese seta do tempo
  • seta do tempodirection of time in 4D
Romanian săgeata timpului
  • săgeata timpuluidirection of time in 4D
Cite this entry
APA

arrow of time. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/arrow%20of%20time

MLA

“arrow of time.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/arrow%20of%20time. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “arrow of time,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/arrow%20of%20time.

Source: arrow of time on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.