Mechanical or electronic devices that measure and display time, typically showing hours and minutes. They regulate daily activities and serve as essential tools for time management.
From Middle Dutch 'clocke' meaning bell, related to Medieval Latin 'clocca'. Originally referred to bells that struck the hours in medieval towers, then evolved to include any time-measuring device as mechanical clockwork was developed.
Before mechanical clocks, people told time by church bells - which is why we still say 'o'clock' (of the clock), and why many clocks still chime the hours, preserving that ancient bell-ringing tradition!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.