annular clock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Technical/Niche)Technical/Specialist (Horology, Design, Architecture)
Quick answer
What does “annular clock” mean?
A clock mechanism or timekeeping device whose hour and minute hands move around a ring or circular dial, often indicating time through annular (ring-shaped) markers rather than traditional numerals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A clock mechanism or timekeeping device whose hour and minute hands move around a ring or circular dial, often indicating time through annular (ring-shaped) markers rather than traditional numerals.
In horology and design contexts, a clock with a distinctive circular or ring-shaped form factor; sometimes refers to clocks where the dial is itself a thin annulus or where time is displayed via a rotating ring. It can also describe conceptual timepieces in art and architecture that emphasize circularity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is identically technical in both varieties.
Connotations
In both regions, it connotes specialized design, precision engineering, or avant-garde aesthetics.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday language in both the UK and US. Slightly more likely to appear in UK architectural or antique horology texts, and in US modern design or tech publications.
Grammar
How to Use “annular clock” in a Sentence
The [material/type] annular clock [verb of location/display]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “annular clock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The exhibit will feature several clocks, but it does not annular clock any specific function.
- They sought to annular-clock the plaza with a new installation.
American English
- The design doesn't annular clock in the traditional sense.
- We plan to annular-clock the central atrium.
adverb
British English
- The hands moved annularly around the clock's rim.
- Time was displayed annularly, without a central dial.
American English
- The display functions annularly, with a rotating outer ring.
- The markers are arranged annularly.
adjective
British English
- The annular-clock mechanism was a marvel of Victorian engineering.
- He purchased an annular-clock design for the library.
American English
- The annular-clock face was minimalist and elegant.
- They installed an annular-clock display in the lobby.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in high-end design or luxury goods marketing.
Academic
Used in papers on horology history, architectural design, or kinetic art.
Everyday
Virtually never used. One would simply say 'a round clock'.
Technical
Primary context. Precision term in clockmaking, museum cataloguing, and design specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “annular clock”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “annular clock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “annular clock”
- Pronouncing 'annular' as 'annual-er'. Confusing it with 'annual clock'. Using it to describe any round clock.
- Capitalizing it as a proper noun (unless it's a brand name).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While all annular clocks are round, the term specifically emphasizes a ring-like structure, often with a hollow center or time indicated on a thin circular band, not just a solid round face.
It is not recommended as it is a highly technical term. Using 'round clock' or 'clock with a circular dial' will be understood by everyone.
Its defining feature is that the time-telling element (the dial or the path of the hands) is itself a distinct ring or annulus, rather than a filled circle.
No, they have different Latin roots. 'Annular' comes from 'annulus' (ring), while 'annual' comes from 'annus' (year). They are false friends.
A clock mechanism or timekeeping device whose hour and minute hands move around a ring or circular dial, often indicating time through annular (ring-shaped) markers rather than traditional numerals.
Annular clock is usually technical/specialist (horology, design, architecture) in register.
Annular clock: in British English it is pronounced /ˈænjʊlə klɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈænjələr klɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated; related to idioms about 'time is a circle'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ANNULAR CLOCK: Imagine an ANNUAL (yearly) ring in a tree trunk—an ANNULAR clock tells time on a RING.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CIRCLE / TIME IS A CYCLICAL PATH.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'annular clock' MOST likely to be used correctly?