sweep hand

American  

noun

Horology.

1. a hand, usually a second hand, centrally mounted with the minute and hour hands of a timepiece and reaching to the edge of the dial.

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sweep hand British  

noun

1. horology a long hand that registers seconds or fractions of seconds on the perimeter of the dial

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Etymology

Origin of sweep hand

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

The sweep hand only moved when he looked at it, apparently.

From Hail to the Chief by Schoenherr, John

This also said six o’clock, but the sweep hand did not move.

From The Six Fingers of Time by Lafferty, R. A.

It also said six; and its sweep hand did not sweep.

From The Six Fingers of Time by Lafferty, R. A.

The sweep hand on the chronometer made its rounds several times before he answered.

From Unwise Child by Garrett, Randall

Satisfied, he fastened his eyes on the sweep hand of the time clock.

From Stand by for Mars! by Glanzman, Louis