clocklike

[ klok-lahyk ]

adjective

1. highly systematic, precise, and dependable:

   The mail carrier arrives at noon with clocklike regularity.

Word History and Origins

Origin of clocklike¹

First recorded in 1735–45; clock ¹ + -like

Example Sentences

Storfer and his colleagues reconstructed the history of the tumor’s spread by analyzing changes in tumor genes that evolve in a regular, clocklike manner.

From Science News

Under his directions, from the moment war was declared, everything worked with clocklike precision.

From Project Gutenberg

The guns of the American squadron roared with clocklike regularity, while the firing from the Spanish ships steadily decreased.

From Project Gutenberg

Their evening visits partook of the same clocklike regularity.

From Project Gutenberg

He took the instrument in his big hand and watched the clocklike face intently.

From Project Gutenberg

Jamie ceased the clocklike motion of his body to and fro over the difficult lesson.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accurate
• actual
• clear-cut
• correct
• decisive
• definite
• exact
• explicit
• literal
• narrow
• particular
• proper
• rigid
• rigorous
• specific
• strict