khắc lậu
Definition
- Noun:
- Clepsydra; water clock: An ancient timekeeping device that measures the passage of time by the regulated flow of water into or out of a vessel. The term is archaic and historical.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Người xưa dùng khắc lậu để đo thời gian. (The ancients used a clepsydra to measure time.)
- Khắc lậu là một phát minh quan trọng trước khi có đồng hồ cơ. (The water clock was an important invention before mechanical clocks existed.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "khắc lậu" is exclusively used in historical or literary contexts to describe ancient timekeeping technology. It is not used in modern conversation.
Variants and Related Words
- Đồng hồ nước: This is the modern Vietnamese term for "water clock." It is more commonly understood than the archaic "khắc lậu."
- Bảo tàng trưng bày một mẫu đồng hồ nước cổ. (The museum displays a model of an ancient water clock.)
Synonyms
- Water clock: A device that measures time by the flow of water.
- Clepsydra: The technical term for a water clock, often used in historical and archaeological contexts.
Notes on Usage
- "Khắc lậu" is an obsolete term. When referring to this concept in contemporary Vietnamese, the phrase "đồng hồ nước" is always used. The primary value of knowing "khắc lậu" is for reading historical texts or classical literature.