chronometer

American  

[kruh-nom-i-ter] / krəˈnɒm ɪ tər /

noun

1. a timepiece or timing device with a special mechanism for ensuring and adjusting its accuracy, for use in determining longitude at sea or for any purpose where very exact measurement of time is required.

2. any timepiece, especially a wristwatch, designed for the highest accuracy.

---

chronometer British  

/ krəˈnɒmɪtə, ˌkrɒnəˈmɛtrɪk /

noun

1. a timepiece designed to be accurate in all conditions of temperature, pressure, etc, used esp at sea

---

chronometer Scientific  

/ krə-nŏm′ĭ-tər /

1. An extremely accurate clock or other timepiece. Chronometers are used in scientific experiments, navigation, and astronomical observations. It was the invention of a chronometer capable of being used aboard ship, in 1762, that allowed navigators for the first time to accurately determine their longitude at sea.

---

Other Word Forms

• chronometric
  adjective
• chronometrical
  adjective
• chronometrically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of chronometer

First recorded in 1705–15; chrono- + -meter

Explanation

A chronometer is a type of device that measures time in a manner that is highly accurate — not your average, ordinary watch. A chronometer is an exceptionally precise and stable timepiece that keeps accurate time even under harsh conditions. Marine chronometers, for example, must maintain accuracy despite the temperature fluctuations, humid conditions, and rocking motion that are common on ships at sea. The first practical marine chronometer was invented by John Harrison in the 18th century; it enabled navigators to accurately determine longitude, thus making maritime travel much safer. The word chronometer is built from Greek roots chronos, "time," and metron, "measure."

Example Sentences

The company’s Marine Chronometer Manufacture features a new in-house movement, the UN-118 Caliber, with an anchor escapement made of a material dubbed DIAMonSIL, a composite of silicon and synthetic diamond.

From New York Times • Nov. 23, 2012

The only instruments which I carried, were a Sextant and Artificial Horizon, a Chronometer, a hand Kater's Compass, a small Thermometer, and Arrowsmith's Map of the Continent of New Holland.

From Journal of an Overland Expedition in Australia : from Moreton Bay to Port Essington, a distance of upwards of 3000 miles, during the years 1844-1845 by Leichhardt, Ludwig

He is the sole agent for a new style of watch lately introduced into this country, approved by the Chronometer Board at the Admiralty, in London, which is warranted.

From Godey's Lady's Book, Vol. 42, January, 1851 by Various

No. Chronometer oil on stem-wind and do no experimenting.

From Friction, Lubrication and the Lubricants in Horology by Lewis, William T.

Report to the Visitors states that 'The only change of Buildings which I contemplate as at present required is the erection of a fire-proof Chronometer Room.

From Autobiography of Sir George Biddell Airy by Airy, George Biddell