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gnomonics

noun/ɡnoʊˈmɑnɪks/

definition

the art and science of designing and using sundials

example

The ancient Greeks were pioneers in gnomonics, creating intricate sundials that allowed them to tell time using the position of the sun.

synonyms
sundial designsundial makinggnomonic art
word origin — from Greek 'gnomon', meaning 'that which reveals' or 'one that knows', and '-ics' denoting a field of study

gnomonics, pannychis, phacometer, caul, friability: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 156. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. gnomonics · noun/ɡnoʊˈmɑnɪks/

    the art and science of designing and using sundials

    The ancient Greeks were pioneers in gnomonics, creating intricate sundials that allowed them to tell time using the position of the sun.

    Synonyms: sundial design, sundial making, gnomonic art

    Origin: from Greek 'gnomon', meaning 'that which reveals' or 'one that knows', and '-ics' denoting a field of study

  2. pannychis · noun/ˈpænɪˌkɪs/

    a night-long vigil or celebration

    The community gathered for a lively pannychis, filled with music and dancing that lasted all through the night.

    Synonyms: vigilia, vigil, watch

    Origin: from the Greek 'pannychis', meaning 'all night', from 'pan' meaning 'all' and 'nyx' meaning 'night'

  3. phacometer · noun/fəˈkɑː.mɪ.tər/

    an instrument used to measure the refractive power of lenses or optical devices

    The ophthalmologist used a phacometer to accurately assess the refractive power of the patient's new lenses.

    Synonyms: refractometer, optometer, dioptermeter

    Origin: From 'phaco-' relating to lenses, and '-meter' meaning 'to measure'.

  4. caul · noun/kɔl/

    a thin, filmy membrane that sometimes covers the head of a newborn

    The newborn was delivered with a caul, which is believed by some cultures to be a sign of good luck.

    Synonyms: veil, membrane, film

    Origin: from Middle English 'caul', from Latin 'cauliculus', diminutive of 'caulis' meaning 'stem, stalk'

  5. friability · noun/ˌfraɪəˈbɪləti/

    the tendency of a material to crumble or break into smaller pieces

    The friability of the soil can significantly affect its erosion potential during heavy rainfall.

    Synonyms: crumbly, fragility, brittleness

    Origin: from Latin 'friabilis', meaning 'easily broken', from 'friare', meaning 'to crumble or break'.