water clock
noun [ C ] (also waterclock, water-clock) uk/ˈwɔː.tə ˌklɒk/ us/ˈwɑː.t̬ɚ ˌklɑːk/
（旧时利用水流计时的）水钟，漏壶
in the past, a type of clock that used flowing water to measure time
The water clock measured time as a result of the force of water falling through it at a constant rate. 水钟通过水以恒定速率流过它的力量来测量时间。
The most accurate timekeeping devices of the ancient world were the waterclock or clepsydra, first found in Egypt. 古代世界最准确的计时装置是水钟或漏壶，最早出现在埃及。
Synonym: clepsydra
- More examples
- Ancient Chinese astronomers used water clocks, which kept time by dripping water into a container at a constant rate.
- The limitations of water clocks had long been recognized in northern Europe: among other difficulties the water usually froze in winter.
- While never reaching the level of accuracy based on today's standards of timekeeping, the water clock was the most accurate and commonly used timekeeping device for millennia.
- Many historians believe that the building contained a water clock that was hydraulically powered with water flowing down the steep Acropolis hill.
- A watch of two or three men on the deck looked after the trimming of the sails and called out the hours by the water-clock.