clock¹ (klŏk)
n.

1. An instrument other than a watch for measuring or indicating time, especially a mechanical or electronic device having a numbered dial and moving hands or a digital display.
2. A time clock.
3. A source of regularly occurring pulses used to measure the passage of time, as in a computer.
4. Any of various devices that indicate measurement, such as a speedometer or a taximeter.
5. A biological clock.
6. Botany. The downy flower head of a dandelion that has gone to seed.

v., clocked, clock·ing, clocks.

v.tr.

1. To time, as with a stopwatch: clock a runner.
2. To register or record with a mechanical device: clocked the winds at 60 miles per hour.

v.intr.
To record working hours with a time clock: clocks in at 8 A.M. and out at 4 P.M.

idioms:

around (or round) the clock

1. Throughout the entire 24 hours of the day; continuously.

clean (someone's) clock Slang.

1. To beat or defeat decisively: "Immense linemen declared their intentions to clean the clocks of opposing players" (Russell Baker).

kill (or run out) the clock

1. SportsTo preserve a lead by maintaining possession of the ball or puck until playing time expires. To preserve a lead by maintaining possession of the ball or puck until playing time expires.

[Middle English clokke, from Old North French cloque, bell, or from Middle Dutch clocke, bell, clock, both from Medieval Latin clocca, of imitative origin.]

clocker clock'er n.

clock² (klŏk)
n.
An embroidered or woven decoration on the side of a stocking or sock.

[Perhaps from CLOCK¹, bell (obsolete), from its original bell-shaped appearance.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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