chronograph

[ kron-uh-graf, -grahf ]

noun

1. a timepiece fitted with a recording device, as a stylus and rotating drum, used to mark the exact instant of an occurrence, especially in astronomy.
2. a timepiece capable of measuring extremely brief intervals of time accurately, as a stopwatch able to record fractions of a second as well as elapsed time.

verb (used with object)

1. to time by means of a chronograph.

chronograph

/ krəˈnɒɡrəfə; -ˌɡræf; ˈkrəʊnə-; ˌkrɒnəˈɡræfɪk; ˈkrɒnəˌɡrɑːf /

noun

1. an accurate instrument for recording small intervals of time
2. any timepiece, esp a wristwatch designed for maximum accuracy

Derived Forms

• ˌchronoˈgraphically, adverb
• chronographic, adjective
• chronographer, noun

Other Words From

• chro·nog·ra·pher [kr, uh, -, nog, -r, uh, -fer], noun
• chron·o·graph·ic [kron-, uh, -, graf, -ik], adjective
• chrono·graphi·cal·ly adverb
• chro·nogra·phy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of chronograph¹

First recorded in 1655–65; chrono- + -graph

Example Sentences

Buyers of one of the 270 bikes could also get one of 270 chronograph Top Time Triumph Speed Twin Owners’ Limited Edition watches for $5,500.

From New York Times

Heck, I had a hard time measuring dart speed with one of my ballistic chronographs because tiny specks of foam were shooting out the end.

From The Verge

The watch was unveiled at the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix two years earlier; it featured the innovative Calibre 11 movement, and was the first automatic-winding chronograph.

From New York Times

He gave me a Swiss Army chronograph, and he gave regular ones to all the Browns.

From Golf Digest

“And with watches, for a storied chronograph built tough as nails, with an iconic design,” he added, “the answer is always the Speedmaster.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• timer