Synchronisé

Synchronisé is the French adjective meaning synchronized. In general, synchronization refers to the alignment of time or phase between two or more elements so that they operate together in a defined temporal relationship. The word derives from Greek syn- "together" and chronos "time" and is used across science, technology, and daily life.

In technology and computing, synchronization ensures clocks, devices, and data remain in step. Time synchronization protocols such as the Network Time Protocol (NTP) and the Precision Time Protocol (PTP, IEEE 1588) keep distributed systems coherent. Data and file synchronization services duplicate changes across devices; multimedia streams rely on audio–video synchronization to avoid latency.

In mechanical engineering, synchronisers align gears in transmissions to enable smooth gear changes, a mechanism known as a synchronizer in manual gearboxes. Mechanical clocks and metronomes illustrate physical synchronization, where coupled or feedback-driven components lock to a common tempo.

In science and nature, synchronization appears in coupled oscillators, fireflies flashing in unison, and human circadian rhythms aligning with environmental cues. The study of synchronization spans physics, biology, and neuroscience and explains how complex, interacting systems can settle into common rhythms despite variations in their components.

In English usage, the noun form is synchronisation (British English) or synchronization (American English), while synchronizing or synchronised appears as the verb and participle. See also synchronization, timekeeping, and clock drift.