gnomon Definition
the projecting piece on a sundial that shows the time by the position of its shadow.
Using gnomon: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "gnomon" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The gnomon on the sundial cast a shadow indicating the time of day.
Example
The gnomon was broken, so the sundial could not be used to tell time.
Example
The ancient Greeks used gnomons to measure the angle of the sun's rays.
gnomon Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with gnomon
gnomonics
the art or science of dialing or constructing sundials
Example
He studied gnomonics in order to build his own sundial.
a map projection that shows great circles as straight lines
Example
The gnomonic projection is useful for navigation because it shows the shortest distance between two points on the Earth's surface.
Example
The length of the gnomon shadow changes throughout the day as the position of the sun changes.
Origins of gnomon
from Greek 'gnōmōn', meaning 'indicator'
Summary: gnomon in Brief
The term 'gnomon' [noʊmɑn] refers to the projecting piece on a sundial that shows the time by the position of its shadow. It has been used since ancient times and is still used today in some cultures. 'Gnomon' extends into phrases like 'gnomonic projection,' which is a type of map projection that shows great circles as straight lines.
