wall clock
Definition
- Noun:
- A clock mounted on a wall: A timekeeping device designed to be hung or fixed on a vertical surface, such as an interior or exterior wall of a building.
Usage
- The word "wall clock" is a compound noun used to specify a type of clock based on its location and method of installation. It is typically used to distinguish this type from other clocks, such as desk clocks, alarm clocks, or grandfather clocks.
Examples
- Noun:
- The antique wall clock in the hallway chimes every hour.
- We need to buy a new wall clock for the kitchen.
- He checked the wall clock to see if it was time to leave.
Advanced Usage
- "like a wall clock": Used metaphorically to describe something or someone that is very regular, predictable, or precise.
- His daily routine runs like a wall clock.
- The term can be used attributively (functioning like an adjective) before another noun.
- We admired the wall clock design.
Variants and Related Words
- Clock (n): A general device for measuring and indicating time.
- Timepiece (n): A more formal term for any instrument that measures or indicates time, including a wall clock.
- Bracket clock: A type of clock historically designed to sit on a wall bracket, related but not identical to a modern wall clock.
Synonyms
- Timepiece: A general synonym for any clock or watch.
- Horologe: A rare, formal term for a timekeeping device.
Related Phrases
- Against the clock: Rushing to finish before a deadline. (Note: This idiom uses "clock" generally, not specifically "wall clock").
- We are working against the clock to complete the project.
Notes
- "Wall clock" is a specific type of clock. Its meaning is literal and functional. It does not commonly form its own distinct phrasal verbs or idioms separate from the general word "clock."
Noun
-
a clock mounted on a wall
