Hourglass

Pronunciation: /ˈaʊərˌɡlæs/

Definitions of hourglass

noun a device used to measure time, consisting of two glass chambers connected by a narrow neck that allows sand to flow from one chamber to the other in a specific amount of time

Example Sentences

A1 I saw a beautiful hourglass on the shelf.

A2 She turned the hourglass over to start timing the game.

B1 The hourglass symbolizes the passage of time in many cultures.

B2 The intricate design of the hourglass mesmerized the art collectors.

C1 The scientist studied the hourglass to understand the concept of time measurement.

C2 The hourglass was a valuable artifact from ancient civilizations, showcasing their advanced knowledge of timekeeping.

Examples of hourglass in a Sentence

formal The hourglass is a popular symbol of time passing in many cultures.

informal I found a beautiful hourglass at the antique store.

slang Check out that hourglass figure on her!

figurative Her patience was like an hourglass, slowly running out.

Grammatical Forms of hourglass

• plural: hourglasses
• comparative: more hourglass
• superlative: most hourglass
• present tense: hourglass
• future tense: will hourglass
• perfect tense: have hourglassed
• continuous tense: is hourglassing
• singular: hourglass
• positive degree: hourglass
• infinitive: to hourglass
• gerund: hourglassing
• participle: hourglassed

Origin and Evolution of hourglass

First Known Use: 0014 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'hourglass' originated from the combination of the words 'hour' and 'glass', referring to the timekeeping device shaped like two connected glass bulbs with sand that flows from one bulb to the other in a specific amount of time.

Evolution of the word: The concept of hourglass as a timekeeping device has remained consistent over time, but the word itself has evolved to be used metaphorically to describe anything that resembles the shape or function of an hourglass, such as a woman's figure or the narrowing of time in a suspenseful situation.