clepsydra

[ klep-si-druh ]

noun

, plural clep·sy·dras, clep·sy·drae [klep, -si-dree].

1. an ancient device for measuring time by the regulated flow of water or mercury through a small aperture.

clepsydra

/ ˈklɛpsɪdrə /

noun

1. an ancient device for measuring time by the flow of water or mercury through a small aperture Also calledwater clock

Word History and Origins

Origin of clepsydra¹

1640–50; < Latin < Greek klepsýdra, equivalent to kleps- ( klep-, stem of kléptein to steal, conceal + -s- formative in derivation) + hydra, derivative of hýdōr water

Word History and Origins

Origin of clepsydra¹

C17: from Latin, from Greek klepsudra, from kleptein to steal + hudōr water

Example Sentences

Empedocles performed his experiment with a household implement people had used for centuries, the so-called clepsydra or “water thief,” which was used as a kitchen ladle.

From Literature

The clepsydra, or water clock, was also used to record time during the night, and was perhaps the most accurate timekeeping device of the ancient world.

From Salon

“It is the age-old principle of the clepsydra.”

From New York Times

The clepsydra became in Greece a useful instrument to enforce the law in restricting loquacious orators and lawyers to reasonable limits in their addresses.

From Project Gutenberg

It was invented by the Egyptians, and was called a clepsydra, and was in use among the Babylonians, the Greeks, and the Romans.

From Project Gutenberg