gnomon etymology

Etymology:

The word "gnomon" is derived from the Greek word "gnōmōn," which means "indicator" or "pointer."

Meaning:

A gnomon is a vertical rod or pillar used in ancient timekeeping devices, specifically sundials. It is the component that casts the shadow that indicates the time of day.

Origin:

The concept of the gnomon as a timekeeping tool originated in ancient Egypt around 3500 BC. The Egyptians used shadow clocks, which consisted of a vertical rod placed on a horizontal surface. As the sun moved across the sky, the shadow cast by the rod would change length and position, indicating the time of day.

The use of gnomons spread to other cultures, including the Greeks and Romans. The Greek astronomer Anaximander (c. 610-546 BC) is credited with introducing the gnomon to Greece. He invented a sundial known as the "scaphe," which was a hollowed-out hemisphere with a gnomon placed in the center.

Over time, gnomons became an integral part of sundials, which were widely used as timekeeping devices until the development of mechanical clocks in the 14th century.

gnomon relate terms

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