pendulum clock
Definition
Noun: A clock that uses a swinging pendulum as its primary timekeeping element. The regular, periodic motion of the pendulum regulates the speed at which the clock's gears turn, ensuring accurate time measurement.
Usage
A "pendulum clock" is a specific type of timepiece. It is typically used to describe traditional, often antique, clocks such as grandfather clocks, wall clocks, or mantel clocks that feature a visible pendulum.
Examples
- The antique pendulum clock in the hallway chimes every hour.
- Before the invention of electronic oscillators, the pendulum clock was the most accurate timekeeping device available.
- The steady tick-tock of the pendulum clock provided a comforting rhythm in the quiet room.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: The invention of the pendulum clock in the 17th century by Christiaan Huygens revolutionized timekeeping accuracy.
- Technical Principle: In a pendulum clock, the escapement mechanism gives the pendulum a small push on each swing to keep it moving, while the pendulum's motion controls the release of the clock's driving power.
Variants and Related Words
- Clock (n): A general device for measuring and indicating time.
- Pendulum (n): A weight suspended from a pivot so that it can swing freely.
- Grandfather clock (n): A tall, freestanding pendulum clock.
- Regulator clock (n): A highly accurate pendulum clock, often used as a standard for setting other clocks.
Synonyms
- Weight-driven clock (This is a close synonym as most pendulum clocks are weight-driven, though some are spring-driven).
- Regulated clock (in a general descriptive sense).
Related Phrases
- Swing of the pendulum: This idiom, referring to a regular alternation between opposing ideas or trends, derives from the motion of a clock's pendulum but is not a direct phrasal verb of "pendulum clock."
Noun
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a clock regulated by a pendulum
