chrono

Chrono is a combining form derived from the Greek chronos, meaning time. It is used across disciplines to indicate time-related concepts and phenomena.

In linguistics, science, and terminology, chrono- or chron- appears in words such as chronology, chronicle, chronometer, and chronometry, as well as in adjectives like chronological and chronologic. The form also contributes to related terms such as synchrony and chronobiology, where time is a defining element.

In horology, "chrono" is a common shorthand for chronograph, a watch complication that measures elapsed time. Chronographs typically feature a separate timing mechanism with subdials and start/stop/reset controls.

In computing and software, chrono appears as a time-related namespace or library name. For example, the C++ standard library includes a header <chrono> that provides clocks, durations, and time points; other languages and libraries similarly use the term to denote time utilities, timelines, or date-time calculations.

In popular culture, Chrono appears in the titles of the Chrono video game series, notably Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross. The lead character of Chrono Trigger is Crono (spelled without the h), while the series title uses the form Chrono with an h. Together, the term Chrono reframes time as a central concept across language, technology, and culture.