sweep hand
Noun: A sweep hand is the long, thin pointer on a clock or watch that indicates the seconds. It is called a "sweep" hand because it moves in a continuous, sweeping motion around the dial, unlike some older second hands that moved in small, ticking jumps.
The term "sweep hand" is used specifically to describe the seconds hand on a timepiece, particularly when emphasizing its smooth, continuous motion. - The old stopwatch has a highly visible red sweep hand. - To time the experiment precisely, watch the sweep hand as it completes its circuit.
- "Sweep-second hand": This is a more precise, full term for the same component. It explicitly denotes that it is the hand that to show the .
- The chronograph features a central sweep-second hand for accurate timing.
- Sweep-second hand (n): A full, formal synonym for "sweep hand."
- Seconds hand (n): A more common, general term for the same hand, though it does not inherently imply a continuous motion.
- Continuous sweep (n): A phrase describing the type of motion characteristic of a sweep hand.
- Seconds hand
- Second hand
While "second hand" is the general term, "sweep hand" specifically refers to a second hand that moves continuously. On most modern analog watches and clocks, the second hand is a sweep hand. The term helps distinguish it from a "jumping seconds" or "dead-beat seconds" hand, which advances in one-second increments.
- a second hand that is mounted on the same center as the hour and minute hand and is read on the minutes