Hourglass - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

time measurement

An hourglass is a device used to measure the passage of time. It consists of two glass bulbs connected vertically by a narrow neck that allows a regulated flow of a substance (such as sand) from the upper bulb to the lower one. The amount of time elapsed is determined by the amount of substance that has flowed through the neck.

Synonyms

egg timer, sand clock.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hourglass	Commonly used to represent the passage of time, often in artistic or metaphorical contexts. The old painting featured an hourglass on the table, symbolizing the fleeting nature of time
sand clock	Less commonly used and often considered a layman's term for hourglass, typically in everyday conversation. I watched the sand slowly fall through the sand clock while waiting
egg timer	Typically used in cooking to measure short periods, especially for boiling eggs. Set the egg timer for 5 minutes to get the perfect soft-boiled eggs

Word

Description / Examples

hourglass

Commonly used to represent the passage of time, often in artistic or metaphorical contexts.

The old painting featured an hourglass on the table, symbolizing the fleeting nature of time

sand clock

Less commonly used and often considered a layman's term for hourglass, typically in everyday conversation.

I watched the sand slowly fall through the sand clock while waiting

egg timer

Typically used in cooking to measure short periods, especially for boiling eggs.

Set the egg timer for 5 minutes to get the perfect soft-boiled eggs

Examples of usage

The hourglass on the desk indicated that the meeting was about to end.
She watched the sand trickle down in the hourglass, marking each passing minute.

Interesting Facts

History

Hourglasses have been used since ancient times, seen in records from as far back as the 8th century in Europe.
Sailors often relied on hourglasses for navigation and timekeeping at sea, as they were more reliable than mechanical clocks in uneven conditions.

Science

The flow of sand through an hourglass is an example of gravitational forces, illustrating how gravity pulls the sand from one chamber to another.
The rate of sand flow can vary based on the sand's grain size and shape, showing the science behind how different materials behave under similar conditions.

Symbolism

Hourglasses symbolize the passage of time and the inevitability of life's transitions, often depicted in art as a reminder of mortality.
In literature, they can represent hope or renewal, showing that time is fleeting but can also be a cycle of new beginnings.

Popular Culture

Hourglasses have appeared in various movies and TV shows, often used to signify the urgency of time, like in 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'Harry Potter.'
The iconic image of an hourglass can also be found in logo designs and video games, symbolizing time manipulation or challenge.

Origin of 'hourglass'

Main points about word origin

The word 'hourglass' comes from the Old English 'ūre' meaning hour, and 'glass,' referring to the glass structure that holds the sand.
Originally, these time-measuring devices were known as 'sand glasses' or 'sand timers,' emphasizing the material used to track the passage of time.

The hourglass, also known as a sand clock, is believed to have been invented in Alexandria, Egypt around the 3rd century AD. It was an early form of timekeeping before the invention of mechanical clocks. Hourglasses were used on ships, in churches, and in homes to measure time accurately. The hourglass symbolizes the passage of time and has been a popular motif in art and literature throughout history.

Hourglass Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations