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.

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chronometer British  

/ krəˈnɒmɪtə, ˌkrɒnəˈmɛtrɪk /

noun

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

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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.

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Other Word Forms

• chronometric adjective
• chronometrical adjective
• chronometrically adverb

Etymology

Origin of chronometer

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

Example Sentences

By the story’s chronometer, a mere eight months had passed.

From Salon

The firm went on to make marine chronometers and pocket watches for the public.

From BBC

He would set his pocket chronometer first thing, before tripping off in his buggy to clients who paid a fee to look at it and set their own timepieces.

From BBC

By 1914, when Endurance set sail from London, dependable and accurate chronometers were every skipper's constant companions.

From Literature

Plenty of interactive exhibits brings the voyage to life, including hands-on experimentation with a chronometer and Fresnel lens, outtakes from the duo’s journal, and short films.

From Seattle Times