The term 'PASSES (BY), AS TIME' can be solved by two crossword solutions: 'TICKS' (5 letters) and 'ELAPSES' (7 letters). Ticks refer to the short, regular intervals of time that are measured by a clock or watch. ELAPSES is a synonym for passes, meaning to move slowly or gradually in time. Both words refer to the passing of time, but ticks refer to the shorter, more precise intervals while ELAPSES refers to the longer, more gradual passing of time.