The correct spelling for "top hour" is /tɑp aʊər/. The word refers to the beginning of the hour and is often used in terms of broadcasting, such as "the news will start at the top of the hour." The "t" sound in "top" is followed by the diphthong /aʊ/, which is a combination of the "ow" sound and the "ah" sound. The "r" at the end of "hour" is pronounced softly, creating a slight vowel sound. Overall, the word represents a specific point in time and is important for timekeeping and scheduling in various fields.
Top hour refers to the exact time when an hour begins, usually the very initial moments. It is the precise starting point of a new hour on the clock, commonly marked by the chiming of a clock or the sounding of a signal to indicate the beginning of a full hour. This term is often used in the context of broadcasting or radio, where it is crucial to maintain an accurate time schedule for programming or advertisements.
In broadcasting, the top hour is an essential segment as it helps set the tone for the next hour of programming. It can include various elements such as station identification, news updates, jingles, or other audio cues that help the listener recognize and anticipate the upcoming content. The top hour segment allows broadcasters to create a smooth transition between different programs, maintain continuity, and engage the audience.
Furthermore, the top hour may serve as a crucial reference point for timekeeping and synchronization in various domains, such as public transportation schedules or corporate operations. It allows for precise coordination of activities and helps ensure that everyone is on the same schedule.
Overall, top hour represents the accurate beginning of an hour, often accompanied by an audio signal, and plays a vital role in establishing timing, continuity, and synchronization in broadcasting and other time-dependent domains.
The term "top hour" does not have a specific etymology on its own, as it is a combination of two common words: "top" and "hour".
"Top" can be traced back to Middle English and has its roots in Old English and Germanic languages. It originally referred to the highest part or point of something. Over time, it developed various meanings, such as the highest position, the highest quality, or the first rank.
"On the hour" is a phrase that means exactly at a particular time when the minute hand reaches twelve, indicating the start of a new hour.
When "top" and "hour" are combined, "top hour" simply conveys the idea of something happening right at the beginning or top of an hour. This term is commonly used in broadcasting to refer to the practice of starting a program or news bulletin exactly as the hour changes.