chronometer

[ kruh-nom-i-ter ]

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.

chronometer

/ krəˈnɒmɪtə; ˌkrɒnəˈmɛtrɪk /

noun

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

chronometer

/ 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.

Derived Forms

• ˌchronoˈmetrically, adverb
• chronometric, adjective

Other Words From

• chron·o·met·ric [kron-, uh, -, me, -trik], chrono·metri·cal adjective
• chrono·metri·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of chronometer¹

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

Example Sentences

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

Actor and comedian Paolo Camilli, who appears in The White Lotus, posted a video on TikTok this week fondling his chest in front of the camera as a chronometer counts down 10 seconds.

From Seattle Times

The mechanism of Harrison's chronometer could withstand the turbulent motion of a ship at sea, defy changes of temperature, and resist the corrosion of salt water and air.

From Literature

The big box chronometers on the ship had been abandoned at Dump Camp, but Worsley had chronometer watches.

From Literature

Then, while Shackleton stood by with the chronometer, Worsley would wait until the boat reached the top of the wave and the horizon came into sight, then shout “Now!” as he shot the sun.

From Literature