Reading Theme:
Clock: Meaning, Examples, and Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：time-keeping device (clock)
clock
/klɒk/
n., v.
A machine in your room that tells you the hour and minute, often hanging on a wall or sitting on a table.
time-keeping device
➕
/taɪm-ˈkiːpɪŋ dɪˈvaɪs/
n., v.
A mechanical or electronic instrument that displays the current time, typically with hour and minute hands or digital numbers.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'clocca' (bell), via Old French 'cloque' and Middle English 'clokke', originally referring to a bell that marked hours.
💡 Mnemonic
Clock begins with 'cl'—think of 'click' sound the hands make. A clock's hands 'lock' into position for each hour.
📖 Example
The antique clock on the living room wall chimed softly every hour.
The antique clock on the living room wall chimed softly every hour.
🔗 Collocations
wall clock – A clock designed to be hung on a wall
alarm clock – A clock that sounds at a preset time to wake someone up
digital clock – A clock that shows the time using digits rather than hands
🔄 Synonyms
timepiece (n.) – A general term for any device that measures and shows time
chronometer (n.) – A highly accurate timekeeping instrument, especially used in navigation
timer (n.) – A device that counts down or measures a specific interval of time
🚫 Antonyms
stopwatch (n.) – A handheld timepiece used to measure elapsed time precisely, but not meant for showing current time
📖 Cultural Story
Clock derives from the Latin 'clocca' meaning 'bell', as early timepieces (like church tower clocks) announced the hours by ringing bells. The word spread through medieval monastic life and trade routes.
Meaning 2：measure time or speed (clock)
clock
/klɒk/
n., v.
To use a stopwatch to measure how long someone takes to do something, like running a race.
measure time or speed
➕
/ˈmeʒər taɪm ɔːr spiːd/
n., v.
To record or measure the time taken to complete an activity, often using a stopwatch or timing device.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The coach clocked her best runner at 11.5 seconds for the 100-meter dash.
The coach clocked her best runner at 11.5 seconds for the 100-meter dash.
🔗 Collocations
clock in – To record one's arrival time at work using a time clock
clock up – To accumulate a total amount (e.g., miles or hours)
clock speed – The rate at which a computer's processor executes instructions
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
estimates (v.) – To form a rough guess about time or speed without precise measurement
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser