clockwise — in the direction that the hands of a clock move
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: in the direction that the hands of a clock move
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈklɑːkwaɪz/
Example Sentences
- The washing machine drum spins clockwise during the rinse cycle.
- My cat always walks clockwise around her food bowl before eating - she's very superstitious!
- Turn the jar lid clockwise to close it tightly.
clockwise
ADVERB[/ˈklɑːkwaɪz/]
in the direction that the hands of a clock move
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Clockwise emerged in the 1870s as a compound word combining 'clock' (timepiece) and 'wise' (manner, direction). As mechanical clocks became widespread, the direction of their rotating hands established a standard reference point for describing rotational direction.
Breakdown
clock (timepiece) + -wise (suffix meaning 'in the manner or direction of'). The suffix '-wise' derives from Old English 'wis' (manner, way) and is used to form adverbs indicating direction or orientation.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The washing machine drum spins clockwise during the rinse cycle.”
“My cat always walks clockwise around her food bowl before eating - she's very superstitious!”
“Turn the jar lid clockwise to close it tightly.”
“The tornado spun clockwise, which is unusual for this region.”
📚Related Words
Antonyms
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