sand-glass

A teacher turns over a sand-glass to start a timed quiz.

Definition

Noun: - A time-measuring device: "sand-glass" refers to a device consisting of two glass bulbs connected by a narrow neck, through which sand flows from the upper bulb to the lower bulb in a fixed amount of time, typically one hour.

Usage Examples

• (A timing device with sand.)
• (The action of inverting the device.)

Advanced Usage

• "A sand-glass of time": a poetic or figurative reference to the passage of time.
  • Life is like a sand-glass, with each grain marking a moment gone. (A metaphor for time's steady flow.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sandglass (n): an alternative spelling, often used interchangeably.
  • The sandglass on the mantelpiece was an antique. (Same meaning as sand-glass.)

Synonyms

• Hourglass: the most common synonym, specifically for a sand-glass that measures one hour.
• Timer: a general device for measuring time intervals.

Related Idioms

• The sands of time: a poetic phrase referring to the limited nature of life or time.
  • The sands of time are running out for the old building. (Time is passing and ending.)