Clock

Definition

Clock is both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to an instrument used to measure and display time, typically using hours, minutes, and sometimes seconds. As a verb, it means to measure the speed or duration of something, or to record time.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /klɑk/
• Respelling: klok

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /klɒk/
• Respelling: klok

Etymology

The word "clock" comes from the Middle English "clokke," derived from Old Northern French "cloque," meaning "bell." The term likely originated from Medieval Latin "clocca," referring to a bell. Early clocks used bells to signal the time, leading to the term "clock" for time-telling devices.

Derivatives

• Clockwork (noun)
• Clockwise (adverb)
• Clocked (verb, past tense)
• Clocking (verb, present participle)
• Clockmaker (noun)

Synonyms

• Timepiece
• Watch
• Chronometer

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "clock" is used to refer to any device that measures and displays time, such as a wall clock, alarm clock, or digital clock. As a verb, it can describe the act of recording time, such as "The runner clocked a personal best."

Related Terms

• Timer: A device that counts down or tracks time intervals.
• Hour: A unit of time equivalent to 60 minutes.
• Minute: A unit of time, one-sixtieth of an hour.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An instrument used to measure and display time: Refers to a device that shows hours, minutes, and sometimes seconds.
  • Example: "The clock on the wall struck twelve."
• A device that regulates machinery by indicating time: Used in contexts where a clock serves to manage time-sensitive equipment.
  • Example: "The factory’s machines operate on a central clock."

Verb

• To measure the time or duration of an activity: Used to record how long an action takes.
  • Example: "The officer clocked the car going over the speed limit."
• To reach a specific time on a measuring device: Refers to the act of achieving a particular time.
  • Example: "He clocked a mile in under four minutes."