clepsydra

[ klep-si-druh ]
/ ˈklɛp sɪ drə /

noun, plural clep·sy·dras, clep·sy·drae [klep-si-dree] /ˈklɛp sɪˌdri/.

an ancient device for measuring time by the regulated flow of water or mercury through a small aperture.

Origin of clepsydra

1640–50; < Latin < Greek klepsýdra, equivalent to kleps- ( klep-, stem of kléptein to steal, conceal + -s- formative in derivation) + hydra, derivative of hýdōr water

Example sentences from the Web for clepsydra

British Dictionary definitions for clepsydra

clepsydra
/ (ˈklɛpsɪdrə) /

noun plural -dras or -drae (-ˌdriː)

an ancient device for measuring time by the flow of water or mercury through a small aperture Also called: water clock

Word Origin for clepsydra

C17: from Latin, from Greek klepsudra, from kleptein to steal + hudōr water