How Do You Spell CLEPSYDRA?

Pronunciation: [klˈɛpsɪdɹə] (IPA)

The word "clepsydra" is a difficult term to spell due to its complicated origin and uncommon usage. Pronounced /klɛpˈsʌɪdrə/, it is derived from Greek κλεψύδρα (klepsýdra), meaning "water thief." The spelling is particularly tricky due to the combination of consonants, including the silent "p" and the difficult-to-pronounce cluster "ps." Despite its challenging spelling, the word remains important in the field of ancient timekeeping as it refers to a water clock used to measure time.

CLEPSYDRA Meaning and Definition

1. A clepsydra is a device or an instrument used to measure time, particularly in ancient times. The term originates from the Greek words "kleptein" meaning "to steal" and "hydor" meaning "water," suggesting a device that measures time by the flow or theft of water.

   A traditional clepsydra consists of a container filled with water, placed above a basin. It operates using the principle that water flows at a constant rate when there is a controlled opening between the container and the basin. As the water gradually drips from the container into the basin below, it marks the passing of time. Clepsydras often incorporated water clocks or float mechanisms that indicated time intervals with the movement of markers or rings.

   Clepsydras were widely used across ancient civilizations, including in Egypt, ancient Greece, and Rome. They were used in various contexts, such as measuring intervals in legal proceedings, marking time during speeches or debates, and calculating the hours of the day or night. Clepsydras were influential precursors to hourglasses and mechanical clocks, which eventually replaced them as more accurate timekeeping devices.

   Although largely obsolete in modern times, clepsydras hold historical significance as early timekeeping mechanisms that provided a means to measure time before the advent of sophisticated clockwork technology.

2. An anc. instrument in which time was measured by the gradual dropping of water; a water-clock.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CLEPSYDRA

• xlepsydra
• vlepsydra
• flepsydra
• dlepsydra
• ckepsydra
• cpepsydra
• coepsydra
• clwpsydra
• clspsydra
• cldpsydra
• clrpsydra
• cl4psydra
• cl3psydra
• cleosydra
• clelsydra
• cle-sydra
• cle0sydra
• clepaydra
• clepzydra

Etymology of CLEPSYDRA

The word "clepsydra" has its etymology rooted in ancient Greek. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "kleptein" meaning "to steal" and "hydor" meaning "water". Therefore, "clepsydra" literally translates to "water thief" or "water clock" in English. In ancient times, a clepsydra referred to a device or apparatus that measured the passage of time using the regulated flow of water.

Similar spelling word for CLEPSYDRA

• clypeus.

Plural form of CLEPSYDRA is CLEPSYDRAE OR CLEPSYDRAS