time scale component

representation of a time scale unit [...] within a date and time expression [...] or representation [...] EXAMPLE 1: calendar year [...], calendar month [...], calendar day [...], clock hour [...], clock minute [..], clock second [...] are time scale components of a complete representation [...]. EXAMPLE 2: The calendar year time scale component is considered of a higher order than the calendar month time scale component, which is in turn of a higher order than the calendar day time scale component. Note 1 to entry: A time scale component is considered of a higher order of another, if the time scale unit it represents has a strictly larger time interval [...] than that of another; the latter time scale component is therefore considered to be of a lower order. Note 2 to entry: Common usage of this term often omits the leading phrase “time scale”, such as representing a “time scale component calendar year” by just “calendar year component”. This usage is deemed accepted in this document.