How Do You Spell ESCAPEMENT?

Pronunciation: [ɛskˈe͡ɪpmənt] (IPA)

The word "escapement" is pronounced /ɪˈskeɪpmənt/ and refers to the mechanism in a clock or watch that regulates the movement of the hands. The "esc-" at the beginning of the word is spelled with an "e" and a "c" to indicate the "eh" sound, while the "-ape-" in the middle is spelled with an "a," "p," and "e" to indicate the "ay" sound. The final "-ment" ending is pronounced with a silent "e" and an "uh" sound, but it is spelled with an "e" and "nt."

ESCAPEMENT Meaning and Definition

1. Escapement refers to a mechanical component found in various timekeeping devices, such as clocks, watches, and other precision instruments. It is an essential mechanism that regulates the motion of the timekeeping element, ensuring the accurate measurement and display of time.

   The escapement consists of a series of interconnected gears, levers, and pallets that control the release of energy from a power source or mainspring. Its primary function is to maintain a consistent and controlled movement, typically in a periodic manner, by transmitting equal amounts of energy at regular intervals. This enables the timekeeping element, such as the balance wheel or pendulum, to oscillate or rotate at a precise and constant rate.

   The escapement achieves its purpose through a combination of sliding and locking actions. It controls the impulse and release of power from the power source, while also offering a form of braking to regulate the movement. Its design and configuration may vary depending on the specific timekeeping device, ranging from the anchor escapement found in traditional mechanical watches to the modern lever escapement used in high-precision mechanical timepieces.

   Overall, the escapement plays a critical role in maintaining the accuracy and reliability of timekeeping devices by controlling the flow of power and ensuring a consistent, rhythmic motion of the timekeeping element. Its intricate mechanism and precise engineering enable the measurement and display of time with remarkable precision.

2. A mechanical contrivance to regulate and change the direction of the moving force in clocks and watches.

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

Top Common Misspellings for ESCAPEMENT *

• escarpement 100%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for ESCAPEMENT

• encapment
• escapment
• escartment
• escaprment
• escpement
• escapemnet
• escapemant
• Skapement
• Scarement
• Scapemant
• Schapement
• esacapment

Etymology of ESCAPEMENT

The etymology of the word "escapement" can be traced back to its Latin origins. It derives from the Latin word "scappare", which means "to escape" or "to flee". The Latin word "scappare" is derived from the Late Latin word "excappare", which comes from the prefix "ex-" meaning "out of" or "away from" and the Latin verb "cappare", which means "to take" or "to seize". The term "escapement" was first used in horology to describe the mechanism in clocks and watches that regulates the release of energy and controls the movement of gears, allowing for the timekeeping function.

Plural form of ESCAPEMENT is ESCAPEMENTS