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TM

TM or Tm is an abbreviation or initialism with multiple meanings across symbols and legal terms, businesses and organizations, geography, science and technology, and other uses, as detailed in the following sections.

Symbols and legal terms

Trademark

A is any word, phrase, , , or thereof that identifies the or services of a particular source and distinguishes them from those of others. This form of serves to protect identity in commerce by preventing consumer confusion. The ™ symbol, often rendered in superscript as ™, indicates an and is used to assert rights based on actual use in . In contrast, the ® symbol denotes a registered with a office, such as the and Office (USPTO), conferring stronger presumptive rights including nationwide priority and enforceability. Use of the ™ symbol is optional and does not require formal approval, serving primarily as public notice of the claimant's intent to protect the mark. In the United States, federal trademark protection originated with the Trademark Act of 1881, which established a system for registering marks used in interstate following the Court's invalidation of an earlier 1870 . This act laid the groundwork for the modern use of symbols like ™ to signal unregistered claims under , emerging in the late as businesses sought to denote source identification amid growing industrialization. Internationally, the ™ symbol is recognized under frameworks like the Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, adopted in , which mandates national treatment for —ensuring foreign applicants receive the same protection as domestic ones in member states. The convention facilitates priority rights for trademark filings across its 179 member countries, allowing the ™ symbol to signal claims in diverse jurisdictions while domestic laws govern registration and enforcement. A common misconception is that the ™ symbol provides automatic legal protection equivalent to registration; in reality, it merely notifies others of the claim and relies on rights derived from prior use, without the evidentiary benefits or statutory remedies of a registered mark. Service marks, which protect identifiers for services rather than goods, follow similar conventions but are denoted with where unregistered.

Service marks

A is a type of that identifies and distinguishes the source of a service provided by one entity from those provided by others, functioning similarly to a but specifically for intangible offerings such as , , or consulting. Unlike , which protect goods, service marks emphasize the provision of services, and both use the same ™ symbol to denote unregistered status or ® for registered ones. In the , service marks are governed by the of 1946, which provides for federal registration through the Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and protects against infringement in commerce. This framework ensures that service marks, like trademarks, must be distinctive and used in connection with the services they represent to qualify for protection. A prominent example of TM as a service mark is its use by the Transcendental Meditation organization, owned and licensed by the Maharishi Foundation, to denote their specific meditation technique and related educational services since the 1970s, with U.S. registration dating back to 1975. Enforcement of such service marks has involved litigation, including the 2011 case Maharishi Foundation USA, Inc. v. The Veda Center, LLC (also involving Meditation House LLC), where the foundation alleged trademark infringement under the Lanham Act for unauthorized use of "Transcendental Meditation" and related marks in competing meditation services, seeking injunctive relief and damages. Similar disputes have arisen against other entities offering meditation programs that allegedly confuse consumers by mimicking the TM service mark, highlighting the need to maintain distinctiveness in service branding.

Businesses and organizations

Companies

TM, as an abbreviation or name element, is used by several for-profit companies across various sectors, particularly in , electronics manufacturing, and historically in energy. Berhad (TM) is Malaysia's leading integrated service provider, established on October 12, 1984, through the corporatization of the former . The company offers , mobile, and enterprise solutions, playing a central role in the nation's digital infrastructure development, with subsidiaries like TM Global handling international connectivity. TM remains active and listed on the stock exchange, contributing significantly to Malaysia's connectivity ecosystem. Formerly known as TM International Berhad, is a Malaysian multinational incorporated on June 12, 1992, as a of before its and rebranding in 2008. It operates mobile networks, digital services, and infrastructure across , serving over 175 million subscribers in countries including , , and . In 2022, Axiata merged its Malaysian operations with to form , enhancing its market position in the region. Axiata continues as an independent entity, focusing on and digital ecosystems while maintaining a strong presence in emerging markets. In the sector, TM Technology, Inc. (TMTECH) is a Taiwanese fabless company founded in July 1994 in Science-Based Industrial Park, specializing in for green energy, fiber optics, and applications. The firm develops driver ICs for LEDs, high-speed transceivers, and efficient power solutions, emphasizing quality through rigorous testing, and remains operational as a key player in Asia's . Historically, the T.M. Oil Company operated as a U.S.-based firm in the early , primarily in , where it engaged in oil exploration and production activities around 1913, including drilling operations in Kern County. The company, with a reported capital stock of $100,000 by 1918, focused on regional oil fields but became defunct over the subsequent decades, reflecting the volatile nature of early American energy ventures. These companies highlight TM's association with and as dominant modern sectors, alongside legacy energy operations, where active entities like TM and integrate into global supply chains for digital and connectivity services.

Organizations and associations

The International Association (INTA), founded in 1878 as the Association, is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting trademarks and related through , , and networking. Headquartered in with offices in , , , and other locations, INTA serves over 6,000 members from more than 180 countries, including brand owners, legal professionals, and academics, by promoting fair , , and global IP standards. Its activities include annual meetings, policy development on issues like anti-counterfeiting, and resources such as the journal to foster collaboration among members. In , the European Communities Trade Mark Association (ECTA), established in 1980, focuses on advancing knowledge and professionalism in trademarks, designs, , and domain names among its members, who include attorneys, in-house counsel, and industry representatives. ECTA advocates for harmonized IP laws within the , organizes conferences, and provides training to enhance enforcement and best practices, emphasizing the role of trademarks in . Similarly, MARQUES, the European Association of Trade Mark Owners, founded in 1986 and incorporated in the , represents brand owners' interests through , working groups, and events that address challenges like digital branding and cross-border protection. On a broader international scale, the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI), a non-profit founded in 1897, encompasses within its mission to improve and develop laws globally, with national groups in over 50 countries including several in such as and . AIPPI's work involves resolving IP disputes, issuing resolutions for legislative reform, and hosting world congresses that facilitate networking among lawyers, judges, and policymakers to standardize trademark procedures. These organizations collectively emphasize advocacy for stronger IP frameworks, professional development, and international cooperation to address emerging issues like online infringement. Educational initiatives within these associations often extend to academia and training programs; for instance, INTA offers scholarships, webinars, and pro bono clearinghouses to educate on trademark law, supporting academic institutions and emerging professionals in building expertise. Membership in such groups typically requires professional affiliation and annual dues, enabling access to exclusive resources, committees, and forums that drive standards and ethical practices in the field.

Geography

Countries and regions

, a Central Asian nation, is designated by the code TM. The country declared independence from the on October 27, 1991, following a on state sovereignty held the previous day, which saw over 94% approval. This marked the end of its status as the , established in 1924. Turkmenistan's capital is , located near the border with . As of 2025, the estimates the population at 7.6 million, predominantly ethnic , with minorities including , , and . The country is divided into five provinces (welayatlar) and the capital city, each assigned codes prefixed with TM, such as TM-A for Ahal Province and TM-S for . In international frameworks, uses the alpha-3 code TKM and the numeric code 795 for statistical purposes. The also employs TKM as the for in sporting events.

Places and features

In and , TM commonly refers to the Thematic Mapper, a multispectral aboard satellites launched in , which has enabled detailed mapping of diverse geographical features at 30-meter resolution across seven bands from visible to . This instrument has been pivotal in monitoring changes, , and , providing high-quality ortho-rectified for environmental since its operational period through 2013. The Thematic Mapper has facilitated comprehensive inventories of mountain ranges, such as those in the European Alps, where Landsat TM scenes from 2003 supported glacier mapping across , , , and , revealing area changes and topographic variations in peaks exceeding 4,000 meters. Similarly, TM data have been used to delineate alpine timberlines and assess land surface temperature trends in rugged terrains, highlighting the sensor's utility for high-relief features. For fluvial systems, TM imagery has captured the River Thames and its tributaries in the , as seen in 1980s scenes of where the river appears as a distinct linear feature amid urban expansion, aiding in flood mapping and analysis. These datasets, combined with later Landsat missions, track hydrological changes in minor tributaries and associated wetlands, contributing to without exhaustive numerical benchmarks. Urban and peri-urban areas, including features like the Timberline Lodge vicinity on in , , have been documented through TM orthorectified scenes from the onward, illustrating dynamics, cover, and infrastructure growth in mountainous settings. Such applications underscore TM's role in integrating with human-modified landscapes. Additionally, in surveying and systems, TM denotes the Transverse Mercator, a cylindrical adapted for accurate representation of small-scale geographical features, dividing the into 60 zones for minimal distortion in north-south extents, as implemented in the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid. This system has been essential for topographic mapping of rivers, mountains, and urban sites since the mid-20th century.

Science and technology

Biology and medicine

In biology and medicine, the abbreviation TM most commonly refers to the tympanic membrane, also known as the , a critical structure in the . The tympanic membrane is a thin, circular, semi-transparent approximately 1 cm in diameter that separates the external ear canal from the . It consists of three layers: an outer epithelial layer, a middle fibrous layer containing nerves and blood vessels, and an inner mucosal layer. This multilayered structure provides both flexibility and resilience, appearing pearly gray or white when healthy. The primary function of the tympanic membrane is to facilitate sound transmission by converting airborne sound waves into mechanical vibrations. Located at the end of the external auditory canal, it vibrates in response to sound frequencies typically between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz, with peak sensitivity around 1,000–4,000 Hz. These vibrations are then transferred to the (, , and ) in the , which amplify and conduct the energy to the in the , where it is transduced into neural signals for auditory perception. Research in auditory biology highlights the tympanic membrane's role in efficient sound transmission; for instance, its tense, drum-like surface ensures minimal energy loss, enabling the to overcome impedance mismatches between air and fluid-filled cochlear environments. At higher frequencies above 3 kHz, the membrane exhibits complex, multi-resonant vibrations that broaden the bandwidth of detectable sounds. Conditions affecting the tympanic membrane, such as , can significantly impair hearing. A tympanic membrane is a rupture or hole in the membrane, often resulting from , , or pressure changes, leading to , ear discharge, , or increased susceptibility to infections. Most perforations heal spontaneously within weeks due to the membrane's regenerative capacity, though larger ones may require surgical intervention like . In clinical contexts, tympanic membrane involvement is prominent in acute (AOM), a common pediatric where fluid accumulation behind the membrane causes bulging, , and pain. Approximately 80% of children experience at least one episode of AOM in their lifetime, with 80–90% affected before school age, peaking between 6 and 24 months; complications include spontaneous in up to 20% of severe cases. Another significant biological use of TM denotes transmembrane proteins, which are integral membrane proteins that span the entire width of cell membranes to mediate interactions between the cell's interior and exterior environments. These proteins typically feature hydrophobic regions, such as alpha helices (20–30 amino acids long) or beta barrels, that embed within the lipid bilayer's nonpolar core, while hydrophilic domains protrude into aqueous compartments on either side. Single-span examples include glycophorin with one alpha helix, whereas multi-span proteins like the anion exchanger band 3 cross the membrane multiple times via 12 helices. Transmembrane proteins are essential for cellular functions, serving as receptors for signaling molecules, transporters for ions and nutrients, and channels for selective solute passage, thereby maintaining homeostasis and enabling processes like nutrient uptake and signal transduction. In , TM also refers to the , the hinge-like structure connecting the to the that enables movement for chewing, speaking, and yawning. Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), encompassing over 30 conditions, involve dysfunction or pain in this joint and surrounding muscles, often manifesting as jaw clicking, limited motion, headaches, or facial pain. Causes include injury, , , or stress-related muscle tension, with TMDs affecting up to 10–15% of adults, more commonly women aged 20–40. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination and imaging, with conservative treatments like oral appliances or preferred over surgery.

Computing

The (TM) is an abstract introduced by in 1936 to formalize the notion of mechanical computation and address the limits of what can be computed algorithmically. It consists of an infinite, one-dimensional tape divided into cells that can hold symbols from a finite alphabet, a read/write head that moves left or right along the tape, and a finite set of internal states, including a start state and halting states. The machine operates by repeatedly reading the symbol under the head, transitioning to a new state based on its current state and the symbol according to a fixed finite table of instructions (the transition function), writing a new symbol if specified, and moving the head one cell left or right. This simple setup captures the essence of algorithmic processes, proving that certain functions are computable while demonstrating fundamental limits, such as the undecidability of the , where no general exists to determine whether a given TM will halt on a specific input. Key variants of the Turing machine expand its expressive power without altering its computational equivalence to the standard model. A deterministic Turing machine (DTM) follows a unique transition for each state-symbol pair, ensuring predictable behavior. In contrast, a nondeterministic Turing machine (NTM) allows multiple possible transitions for the same input, effectively branching into parallel computations, though it accepts the same class of languages as DTMs. The universal Turing machine, a seminal concept, is a single TM that can simulate any other TM given its description as input on the tape, encoded via a finite alphabet; this universality underpins the idea of programmable computers. Turing machines form the theoretical foundation for modern and . They define the class of computable functions, serving as the baseline for analyzing efficiency in terms of time and space resources. In , DTMs classify problems by runtime, with the class encompassing those solvable in time and including those verifiable in time via NTMs, leading to the central open question of whether equals . Historically, Turing's work in his 1936 paper "On Computable Numbers, with an Application to the " resolved David Hilbert's by showing it undecidable using TMs, influencing the development of and establishing TMs as the standard model for .

Physics and chemistry

(Tm) is a with 69 and symbol Tm, belonging to the series in the periodic table. It was discovered in 1879 by Swedish chemist Per Teodor Cleve through spectroscopic analysis of erbia ( oxide) from yttria. The element's standard is 168.934. Physically, thulium is a soft, malleable, ductile, and silver-gray metal with a bright luster that slowly tarnishes in air. It has a density of 9.32 g/cm³ at 20°C, a melting point of 1545°C, and a boiling point of 1950°C. Chemically, thulium exhibits a predominant +3 oxidation state and an electron configuration of [Xe] 4f¹³ 6s². It reacts slowly with cold water and more rapidly with hot water to produce thulium(III) hydroxide (Tm(OH)₃) and hydrogen gas. Thulium forms various compounds, including the sesquioxide Tm₂O₃, which is obtained by ignition of thulium salts, and halides such as thulium(III) chloride (TmCl₃) and fluoride (TmF₃). Thulium has 25 known isotopes, ranging from mass numbers 152 to 176, with only ¹⁶⁹Tm being stable and comprising 100% of naturally occurring thulium. Other isotopes are radioactive; notably, ¹⁷⁰Tm, produced by neutron irradiation of ¹⁶⁹Tm, emits low-energy X-rays useful in applications. In applications, thulium's high X-ray absorption makes the ¹⁷⁰Tm isotope suitable for portable X-ray machines, enabling compact imaging devices without high-voltage generators. Thulium-doped materials, such as thulium-YAG crystals, serve as the active medium in fiber lasers operating around 2 μm wavelength, which are employed in medical procedures like tissue ablation due to strong water absorption at that wavelength. Additionally, thulium compounds contribute to ceramic ferrites for microwave devices, leveraging their magnetic properties. In , transverse magnetic (TM) modes describe electromagnetic wave in , such as rectangular or cylindrical structures, where the vector is entirely transverse to the direction of , while the has a longitudinal component./06%3A_Waveguides/6.08%3A_Rectangular_Waveguide-_TM_Modes) These modes arise from solving with boundary conditions that enforce no component along the guide axis, leading to frequencies determined by the waveguide dimensions and mode indices (m, n)./06%3A_Waveguides/6.08%3A_Rectangular_Waveguide-_TM_Modes) TM modes are fundamental in for in hollow metallic , contrasting with transverse electric () modes./08%3A_Guided_Electromagnetic_Waves/8.06%3A_The_Rectangular_Waveguide)

Other uses in science and technology

In and , the Thematic Mapper (TM) is a multispectral scanning developed by for NASA's . Introduced on Landsat 4, launched in July 1982, the TM operates in seven spectral bands—ranging from visible blue (0.45–0.52 μm) to thermal infrared (10.4–12.5 μm)—enabling high-resolution of Earth's surface with a 30-meter for most bands and a 120-meter resolution for the thermal band. This instrument improved upon earlier Multispectral Scanner (MSS) capabilities by providing sharper spectral separation and geometric fidelity, facilitating applications in classification, monitoring, and detection. Subsequent Landsat missions, including (1984) and Landsat 7's Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+), built on the TM design, with the original TM continuing to support global datasets until the early 2010s. Technical manuals, abbreviated as TM in engineering and military contexts, are standardized documents that provide detailed instructions for the operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment and systems. Governed by military specifications such as MIL-STD-38784, these manuals ensure uniformity in documentation across U.S. Department of Defense programs, covering front matter, body content, and rear matter with mandatory styles for clarity and usability. In engineering applications, TMs serve as authoritative references for complex machinery, including and vehicles; for instance, the U.S. Army's TM 9-1005 series addresses small arms like the , detailing disassembly, , and parts lists to support field-level maintenance. These documents are critical for safety and reliability in operational environments, often updated to incorporate changes throughout a system's lifecycle. In , a telemetry module (TM) refers to compact devices that acquire, , and transmit from remote vehicles or instruments to ground stations. These modules typically integrate sensors for parameters like , , and , using transmission protocols to enable monitoring during flight tests or missions. NASA's early telemetry remote modules, developed in the , functioned as harness reducers to streamline data flow from multiple sources into a central telemetry stream, reducing wiring complexity in . Modern examples include airborne telemetry systems for UAVs and missiles, which support synchronized and secure transmission over distances exceeding hundreds of kilometers. Traffic management (TM) systems in encompass integrated software and solutions for optimizing flow, , and operations. These systems leverage from sensors, GPS, and cameras to dynamically adjust signals, routes, and capacities, reducing and enhancing in and networks. For example, software like TMS platforms automates freight , carrier selection, and shipment tracking, vast datasets to minimize costs and in supply chains. Adopted widely since the , TM systems have demonstrated impacts such as 10–20% reductions in travel times through and algorithms. In naval weaponry, TM denotes "Torpedo Mark," a designation in U.S. Navy nomenclature for successive models of torpedoes developed during . The (Mk 14) TM, introduced in 1931 and standardized by 1940, was the primary submarine-launched anti-ship , featuring a steam-powered with a range of up to 4,500 yards at 46 knots and a 507-pound . Despite initial defects like depth-keeping failures and premature detonations—stemming from issues with the Mark 6 magnetic exploder—the Mk 14 was refined mid-war through extensive testing, contributing to over 40% of U.S. sinkings of vessels by 1945. This series exemplified early 20th-century naval engineering, influencing post-war designs like the electric Mark 18.

Other uses

Religion and philosophy

is a technique introduced by in 1955, involving the silent repetition of a . It draws from Vedic traditions and is presented as a secular practice, though controversies, such as the 1977 Malnak v. Yogi court ruling, have debated its religious aspects in public education.

Arts and media

Transcendental Meditation has been referenced in various artistic works and by celebrities. Filmmaker David Lynch, a practitioner since 1973, founded the David Lynch Foundation in 2005 to promote TM and credits it for enhancing creativity in films like Twin Peaks. The 2010 documentary David Wants to Fly explores TM through celebrity endorsements. A five-episode documentary series, Seekers: The Transcendental Meditation Story, is in production as of 2025. In music, ' 1968 visit to Maharishi's inspired tracks on the White Album, while included "" on their 1968 album Friends. Artists like have cited TM for since 2011.

Slang and informal usage

In informal communication, particularly in texting and , "TM" serves as a versatile with several interpretations, often depending on context to avoid ambiguity. These usages emerged as part of the broader trend toward concise in digital messaging. One common meaning is "Text Me," used to request that someone send a follow-up via or another platform, such as in casual invitations or reminders. For example, a user might reply to an event discussion with "TM later" to indicate they will continue the conversation privately. This interpretation is prevalent in quick exchanges on apps like or . "TM" also stands for "Trust Me," an assurance phrase employed to emphasize or in conversations, often to reassure or convince the recipient. It gained in the through , where it appears in responses like "This will work out, TM" to build rapport or dismiss doubts. As "Too Much," "TM" expresses excess or overwhelm, typically in reaction to , or stimuli, such as "That is TM" to denote something overly intense. This usage highlights in , particularly on visual platforms. Less frequently, "TM" abbreviates "Tomorrow" in scheduling texts, signaling a delay or future action, like "Meet TM?" though it risks confusion with other meanings and is often clarified. The evolution of "TM" as slang traces back to the rise of in the 1990s, when the first text message was sent on December 3, 1992, prompting the development of to fit character limits. Its adoption expanded with platforms like (now X), launched in 2006, where brevity became essential for real-time interactions, embedding "TM" in everyday digital vernacular.