hourglass etymology

Etymology:

  • From Late Latin horologium ("clock, timepiece"), from Greek hōrologion ("timekeeper, sundial"), from hōra ("hour") + -logion (-"keeping, collecting; instrument, machine").

Meaning:

  • A transparent glass container with two chambers connected by a narrow waist, filled with sand or fine powder that slowly trickles from the upper to the lower chamber, used to measure time.

Origin:

  • The hourglass was invented in the early 14th century, probably in Western Europe.
  • It was initially used as a convenient way to measure short intervals of time, such as the duration of a sermon or class.
  • Hourglasses were widely used on ships to measure the speed of the vessel and to keep track of the time of day.
  • In the 16th and 17th centuries, they were also used in navigation to determine latitude by measuring the angle of the sun above the horizon.
  • Over time, hourglasses were replaced by more accurate timekeeping devices such as clocks and watches.
  • Today, hourglasses are primarily used as decorative objects or for measuring short intervals of time, such as during cooking or games.

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