clepsydra (Meaning)
clepsydra (n)
clock that measures time by the escape of water
clepsydra (n.)
A water clock; a contrivance for measuring time by the graduated flow of a liquid, as of water, through a small aperture. See Illust. in Appendix.
Synonyms & Antonyms of clepsydra
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clepsydra Sentence Examples
- The ancient Egyptians relied on the clepsydra, a water clock, to measure the passage of time.
- Filled with water and marked with lines, the clepsydra dripped steadily, indicating the hours as the water level descended.
- Compared to sundials, clepsydras offered a more reliable way to tell time indoors or at night.
- The accuracy of a clepsydra depended on a constant flow rate, so some even incorporated adjustments for temperature variations.
- Public squares in ancient Greece often housed elaborate clepsydras to regulate debates and speeches.
- Roman courts also employed clepsydras to ensure a fair distribution of time during legal proceedings.
- Though less precise than modern clocks, the clepsydra was a marvel of ingenuity for its time.
- The word "clepsydra" comes from the Greek words for "thief" and "water," perhaps reflecting the relentless flow of time.
- Interestingly, even the scientist Galileo Galilei used a water clock, a variant of the clepsydra, to study falling objects.
- While largely replaced by mechanical clocks, the clepsydra serves as a reminder of humanity's long history of innovation in timekeeping.
FAQs About the word clepsydra
clock that measures time by the escape of waterA water clock; a contrivance for measuring time by the graduated flow of a liquid, as of water, through a small a
water clock, sandglass, hourglass,sundial, timepiece, chronometer, cuckoo clock, grandfather clock, clock, timekeeper
No antonyms found.
The ancient Egyptians relied on the clepsydra, a water clock, to measure the passage of time.
Filled with water and marked with lines, the clepsydra dripped steadily, indicating the hours as the water level descended.
Compared to sundials, clepsydras offered a more reliable way to tell time indoors or at night.
The accuracy of a clepsydra depended on a constant flow rate, so some even incorporated adjustments for temperature variations.
