grandfather clock
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A tall, freestanding, weight-driven pendulum clock, traditionally housed in a long, narrow wooden case. The case often features a decorative hood that encloses the clock face and a long trunk that covers the pendulum and weights.
Usage
This term refers specifically to the classic type of floor clock. It is a compound noun where "grandfather" modifies "clock" to specify this particular style. * The antique grandfather clock chimed every hour. * They inherited a beautiful oak grandfather clock from their grandparents.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used metaphorically to evoke a sense of tradition, age, or stately presence.
- The old library stood in the square like a silent grandfather clock, marking the passage of decades.
Variants and Related Words
- Longcase clock: A more formal, technical synonym for a grandfather clock.
- Floor clock: A broader, more modern term that can encompass grandfather clocks and other tall, freestanding clock designs.
- Grandmother clock: A term for a smaller, slightly shorter version of a longcase clock.
- Granddaughter clock: A term for an even smaller version than a grandmother clock.
Synonyms
- Longcase clock
- Floor clock (context-dependent)
Antonyms
- Wall clock
- Mantel clock
- Wristwatch
Related Phrases
- To chime like a grandfather clock: To sound with a deep, resonant, and regular tone.
- The old bell in the tower chimed like a grandfather clock.
- As regular as a grandfather clock: Extremely punctual or predictable.
- His daily walks were as regular as a grandfather clock.
Noun
- a pendulum clock enclosed in a tall narrow case