Clock Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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clock
[klɒk ]
Definitions
tell time
A clock is an instrument used to indicate, keep, and co-ordinate time. Clocks have been around for centuries and come in various forms such as analog clocks, digital clocks, and sundials.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I glanced at the clock on the wall to check the time.
- Grandma's antique clock chimed twelve times at midnight.
measuring time
To clock means to measure or record the time taken to do something. It is often used in sports to track performance or in workplaces to monitor productivity.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She clocked her fastest time in the 100m sprint.
- The employee clocked in at 8:00 AM sharp.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The first mechanical clocks appeared in Europe in the 13th century, primarily in monasteries to regulate prayer times.
- The invention of the pendulum clock in the 17th century dramatically improved accuracy, allowing time to be measured to the second.
- Wristwatches, which are simply small clocks, became popular in the 19th century, revolutionizing how people carry time with them.
Science
- Clocks are essential in understanding time as a dimension in physics, crucial to theories about space and relativity.
- Atomic clocks, which measure time based on the vibrations of atoms, are so precise they can measure time to billionths of a second.
- The concept of time zones was established to standardize time across different regions as the railways expanded in the 19th century.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, clocks symbolize the passage of time and life's fleeting moments, often depicted in literature and art.
- In some traditions, the end of the year or day is marked by the sounds of clocks, serving as rituals reflecting on time's cycle.
- The famous 'big ben' clock in London not only tells time but also stands as a symbol of British history and politics.
Psychology
- Research shows that how we perceive time can affect our focus, productivity, and overall well-being, emphasizing the psychological relation with clocks.
- Certain sounds and rhythms from clocks can influence our mood, with ticking often associated with anxiety and urgency.
- Studies indicate that people's interpretation of time can vary significantly depending on cultural background, impacting punctuality and attitudes toward deadlines.
Origin of 'clock'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'clock' comes from the Latin word 'clocca', which means 'bell', reflecting the use of bells in early timekeeping.
- In the 14th century, the term began to refer more broadly to any device that tells time.
- Many early timekeepers were based on the movement of the sun or stars rather than mechanical devices.
The word 'clock' originated from the Middle English 'clokke', which came from the Old North French 'cloque' and the Medieval Latin 'clocca', both meaning 'bell'. The association with bells comes from early clocks striking the hours. Over time, the meaning evolved to include timekeeping devices without bells.