clock1
n.
- an instrument that measures and indicates the time by means of a dial or a digital display.
▸informal a measuring device resembling a clock, such as a speedometer.
-
(also dandelion clock)
Brit. the downy spherical seed head of a dandelion.
[from the child's game of blowing away the seeds to find out what time it is.]
- Brit. informal a person's face.
v.
- attain or register (a specified time, distance, or speed).
▸achieve (a victory):
he clocked up his first win of the year.
-
(clock in/out or Brit. on/off)
register one's arrival at or departure from work by means of an automatic recording clock.
- Brit. informal notice or watch.
- informal, chiefly Brit. hit on the head.
- Brit. informal illegally wind back the milometer of (a car).
Phrase
- round
(or around)
the clock
all day and all night. - turn
(or put)
back the clock
return to the past or to a previous way of doing things.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from Mid. Low Ger. and MDu. klocke, based on med. L. clocca ‘bell’.
clock2
n.
an ornamental pattern woven or embroidered on the side of a stocking or sock near the ankle.
Etymology
C16: of unknown origin.