clockwork
/ˈklɑkwɝk/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 3.20 in modern English
24
Scrabble Score
9
Letters
2
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A mechanism powered by a coiled spring and regulated by some form of escapement; the power is transmitted through toothed gearwheels and used to drive a mechanical clock, toy, or other device.
Uncountable
adj
Driven by clockwork.
Example Sentences
- "Many contrivances for making model horses move up and down as on roundabouts were patented in 1887, and toy horses pulling toy carts were made to imitate galloping by means of clockwork."
- "The mind feeds upon the body: pale sickness, and early decrepitude, overmaster even its spiritual essence. Too late it discovers that this earth is its prison, and not its home: the heart beats, and its pulses are the clockwork of wretchedness:..."
- "In their freight, as in their passenger operations, the N.S. present a picture of clockwork efficiency."
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Celtic *klokkosder. Early Medieval Latin cloccader. Old Northern French cloquebor. Old Dutch *klokka Middle Dutch clockebor. Middle English clokke English clock English -work English clockwork From clock + -work.
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈklɑkwɝk/
- British English: /ˈklɒkwɜːk/