in ‧ ter ‧ val W3 AC /ˈɪntəv ə l $ -tər-/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: entreval , from Latin intervallum 'space between castle walls, interval' ]
1 . the period of time between two events, activities etc:
He left the room, returning after a short interval with a message.
interval between
The interval between arrest and trial can be up to six months.
2 . sunny/bright intervals short periods of fine weather between cloudy, rainy weather etc
3 . at weekly/20-minute etc intervals every week, 20 minutes etc:
The trains run at half-hourly intervals.
4 . at regular intervals
a) something that happens at regular intervals happens often:
The phone rang at regular intervals all afternoon.
b) objects that are placed at regular intervals have all been placed at the same distance from each other:
Trees had been planted at regular intervals.
5 . British English a short period of time between the parts of a play, concert etc SYN intermission American English :
We can get some drinks in the interval.
6 . technical the amount of difference in ↑ pitch between two musical notes
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THESAURUS
▪ stage the raised area on which the actors, musicians etc perform:
He came on stage to rapturous applause.
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The band will appear live on stage for the first time in three years.
▪ the stalls British English , the orchestra American English the lower level of seats:
He had a seat in the stalls.
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We paid $100 for a seat in the orchestra.
▪ the circle British English , the balcony the higher level of seats:
They were sitting in the balcony.
▪ the orchestra pit the space below the stage where the musicians sit:
The actress fell into the orchestra pit.
▪ box office the place in a theatre where you buy tickets:
Collect your tickets at the box office.
▪ programme British English , program American English a small book that you buy when you go to the theatre that gives information about the play and the performers:
His name is not in the programme.
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Do you want me to buy you a program?
▪ interval British English , intermission BrE formal and American English a short period of time between the parts of a play or show when the audience can talk or have a drink:
We got a drink in the interval.