astronomical clock

noun

1. a clock indicating or representing the movements of the sun or planets, the phases of the moon, or the sky visible at a given time, used as a means of establishing time or for additional information, as locating celestial bodies or timing their movement.
2. a clock used for observing the apparent time of the meridian passages of heavenly bodies.

astronomical clock

noun

1. a complex clock showing astronomical phenomena, such as the phases of the moon
2. any clock showing sidereal time used in observatories

Word History and Origins

Origin of astronomical clock¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

This led, some years later, to perfecting an astronomical clock for measuring movements of the stars.

From Project Gutenberg

I cannot stop to speak of the world-renowned astronomical clock which is contained in this cathedral.

From Project Gutenberg

The practical application of this idea he afterwards adopted in the construction of an astronomical clock.

From Project Gutenberg

The usual weight of the bobs of the best pendulums for an ordinary astronomical clock is about 15 ℔.

From Project Gutenberg

Here, too, is a somewhat dismantled and fragmentary astronomical clock of the species best seen at Strasburg.

From Project Gutenberg