intrinsic time

Intrinsic time is a concept in physics that refers to a natural, internal measure of time within a system, independent of external clocks or reference frames. It represents the idea that certain processes or systems have their own "clock," determined by their fundamental properties. For example, the way particles or fields evolve can define an intrinsic timescale, allowing us to understand dynamics from the system's own perspective. This concept is useful in areas like quantum gravity and cosmology, where traditional notions of time become ambiguous or intertwined with the fabric of spacetime itself.