clepsydra

American  

[klep-si-druh] / ˈklɛp sɪ drə /

noun

plural

clepsydras, clepsydrae

1. an ancient device for measuring time by the regulated flow of water or mercury through a small aperture.

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clepsydra British  

/ ˈklɛpsɪdrə /

noun

1. Also called: water clock.  an ancient device for measuring time by the flow of water or mercury through a small aperture

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Etymology

Origin of clepsydra

1640–50; < Latin < Greek klepsýdra, equivalent to kleps- ( klep-, stem of kléptein to steal, conceal + -s- formative in derivation) + hydra, derivative of hýdōr water

Explanation

Drip, drip, drip. This used to be the sound of a clepsydra — a special water clock used by ancient civilizations. The clepsydra was an early and innovative way to keep track of time. It combines the Greek roots klept-, meaning "steal," and hydr-, meaning "water." The clepsydra worked by measuring time through the steady flow of water from one container to another — as if one container was gradually stealing water from the other. The clepsydra was used by the Greeks, Egyptians, and other ancient civilizations to time speeches, monitor cooking, and even keep time during court sessions.

Example Sentences

Empedocles performed his experiment with a household implement people had used for centuries, the so-called clepsydra or “water thief,” which was used as a kitchen ladle.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

How are we gainers when all's done, If Life's swift clepsydra have run With wine for water?

From Pipe and Pouch The Smoker's Own Book of Poetry by Various

The clepsydra naturally suggested to the mechanical mind the idea of driving a mechanism for registering time by the force of gravity acting on some body other than water.

From How it Works Dealing in simple language with steam, electricity, light, heat, sound, hydraulics, optics, etc., and with their applications to apparatus in common use by Williams, Archibald

The water-clock, or clepsydra, has been known to the Chinese for centuries.

From China and the Chinese by Giles, Herbert Allen

While we were thus busy, useful, and happy, the dripping rain, like a clepsydra, told off the morning moments.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 10, No. 62, December, 1862 by Various