noun

gnomon

NOH-mon

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Gnomon (noun) means the pillar, rod or pointer that tells the time by casting a shadow, especially the pointer on a sundial. Example: “The shadow of the gnomon fell across the number on the sundial.”

noun

The pillar, rod or pointer that tells the time by casting a shadow, especially the pointer on a sundial.

"The shadow of the gnomon fell across the number on the sundial."

"A brass gnomon stood at the centre of the garden sundial."

"You can read the hour by seeing where the gnomon's shadow lands."

technical In geometry, the L-shaped figure left when a smaller similar parallelogram is cut from a corner of a larger one.

"The diagram shows a gnomon left over after a smaller square is cut from a larger one."

"In the textbook, the shaded gnomon marks the region between the two parallelograms."

How to use gnomon

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe part of a sundial that casts the shadow.

When to use it

It is a specialist term, used in horology, astronomy and geometry.

Memory tip

The g at the start is silent.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

sundial gnomon shadow of the gnomon

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The shadow of the _____ fell across the number on the sundial.

Etymology

English borrowed the word from French or directly from Latin, which took it from Ancient Greek gnomon, meaning a discerner or interpreter and also a carpenter's square. The Greek is ultimately linked to a root meaning to know, so the word is related to know.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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Rhymes for gnomon

Solomon Salomon

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Frequently asked questions

What is a gnomon on a sundial?

It is the pointer or rod that casts the shadow used to tell the time.

How do you pronounce gnomon?

The g is silent, so it sounds like NOH-mon.

What is a gnomon in geometry?

It is the L-shaped figure left when a smaller similar parallelogram is cut from a corner of a larger one.

What is the meaning of gnomon?

"gnomon" (noun) means the pillar, rod or pointer that tells the time by casting a shadow, especially the pointer on a sundial.

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