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
Words nearby clepsydra
cleon,
cleopatra,
cleopatra's needle,
clep,
clepe,
clepsydra,
clept,
cleptobiosis,
cleptocracy,
cleptomania,
clerc
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