clockwise
|clock/wise|
🇺🇸
/ˈklɑːkˌwaɪz/
🇬🇧
/ˈklɒkˌwaɪz/
direction of a clock's hands
Etymology
'clockwise' originates from the English word 'clock' combined with the suffix '-wise,' where 'clock' refers to a timekeeping device and '-wise' indicates direction.
'Clockwise' was formed in the 19th century by combining 'clock' with the directional suffix '-wise.'
Initially, it meant 'in the direction of a clock's hands,' and this meaning has remained consistent.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
moving in the direction of the hands of a clock.
The dancers moved in a clockwise direction around the stage.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adverb 1
in a direction corresponding to the movement of the hands of a clock.
Turn the knob clockwise to increase the volume.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 21:58