timepiece
English edit
Alternative forms edit
Etymology edit
Pronunciation edit
Noun edit
timepiece (plural timepieces)
- A chronometer (any device used to tell the time of day), particularly a clock lacking a chime or similar sounding mechanism.
- The only timepiece she allowed in the house was a sundial. She usually kept the curtains pulled.
- A watch (a small portable device used to tell the time of day), particularly one lacking a chime or similar sounding mechanism.
- His pocket watch was a beautiful timepiece.
Usage notes edit
In informal use, the presence of piece in the term timepiece causes many speakers to exclude large timekeeping devices such as wallclocks and grandfather clocks. In formal use, some speakers—particularly professional horologists and collectors—use the word clock to refer only to timekeeping devices that include a bell, chimes, or other mechanism to announce the passage of time. The term timepiece is then restricted to timekeeping devices (large or small) that lack such a mechanism.
Translations edit
timekeeping device lacking a chime or striking mechanism
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