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

1. a pendulum clock enclosed in a tall narrow case