tempo

noun

1. 1

   A frequency or rate.

   10 calls per hour isn't a bad start, but we'll need to up the tempo if we want to reach our target of selling insurance policies.

2. 2

   A move which is part of one's own plan or strategy and forces, e.g. by means of a check or attacking a piece, the opponent to make a move which is not bad but of no use (the player gains a tempo, the opponent loses a tempo), or equivalently a player achieves the same result in fewer moves by one approach rather than another.

3. 3

   The timing advantage of being on lead, thus being first to initiate a strategy to develop tricks for one's side.

4. 4

   The timing of a particular event – earlier or later than in an alternative situation.

   the tempo effect in fertility measurements

5. 5

   The number of beats per minute in a piece of music; also, an indicative term denoting approximate rate of speed in written music (examples: allegro, andante)

   The conductor asked the orchestra to increase the tempo.

   The song has a slow tempo that makes it relaxing.

   The dancer kept pace with the shifting tempo of the music.

6. 6

   The steady pace set by the frontmost riders.

7. 7

   A small truck or cargo van with three or four wheels, commonly used for commercial transport and deliveries (particularly in Asian and African countries).

   From the back door of a tempo with his too-strong hands he lifted a woman wearing red clothes, like a precious jewel wrapped in gold embroidered cloth.

8. 8

   A rapid rate of play by the offense resulting from reducing the amount of time which elapses after one play ends and the next starts.

noun

1. 1

   A temporary carport.

Forms

plural

tempos, tempi