Clepsydra (noun)
klep-sid-ra
An ancient device for measuring time by the regulated flow of water or mercury through a small aperture
First used in English between 1640–50. Latinized form of the Greek klepsýdra, from kléptein, “to steal, conceal” + hydra, “water.”
Example sentences
“Thre clepsydra timed the speeches, giving each man an equal amount of time to speak.”
Wonky (adj) won-kee Not straight or balanced, off kilter. First recorded in 1915–20; perhaps variant of dialectal wanky, equivalent to wank(le) ( Middle English wankel, Old English wancol. (more…)
