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Sundial for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: 'sən,daɪəl

What does Sundial really mean?

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Oh, hey there! So, you're curious about what the word "sundial" means? Well, I'm here to help you out! Imagine walking outside on a sunny day, feeling the warm rays of the sun on your skin. Now, think about a clock. You know, the one with those little hands that tell you the time? Well, a sundial combines these two things – the sun and a clock – in a really cool way!

You see, a sundial is an ancient timekeeping device that uses the position of the sun to tell time. Pretty neat, right? It's like having your very own natural clock! Instead of relying on batteries or electricity, a sundial uses the sun's light to cast a shadow on the dial, which is typically marked with numbers or lines to indicate the hours.

Let me explain the process a bit more. When the sun is up high in the sky, the shadow of a pointer called a gnomon falls on the dial, indicating a specific time. As the sun moves across the sky, the shadow also moves, allowing us to track the passing hours of the day.

Now, I know what you might be thinking – how does it work at night or on cloudy days? Well, that's where the sundial's limitations come into play. Since it relies on the sun's position, it won't work properly when there's no sunlight or when clouds cover the sky. But hey, that's totally fine, because we have other timekeeping devices, like those digital clocks or wristwatches, to help us through those times!

But wait, there's more to it! Sundials can also come in different shapes and sizes. They can be found in all sorts of places, like gardens, parks, and even ancient buildings. Some people find sundials to be not only functional but also beautiful decorations! So, it's not just about telling time, but also adding charm and beauty to our surroundings.

So, to sum it up, a sundial is a special device that uses the sun's position to tell time. It's like having a clock powered by sunlight! It casts a shadow on a dial, helping us keep track of the hours throughout the day. Even though it has its limitations, it still holds a special place in our history and can be a lovely addition to any space. Pretty cool, huh?


Revised and Fact checked by Sophia Wilson on 2023-10-28 22:12:24

Sundial In a sentece

Learn how to use Sundial inside a sentece

  • A sundial is a tool that uses the position of the sun to tell the time. For example, when the shadow of a stick falls on the numbers on the sundial, you can know what time it is.
  • Imagine you are in a park and there is a big stone with numbers and a stick on it. The shadow of the stick moves as the sun moves across the sky. By looking at where the shadow falls on the numbers, you can tell the time. This stone is a sundial.
  • If you are outside on a sunny day, you can make a simple sundial using a stick, a piece of paper, and a rock. You just need to stick the stick in the ground, place the paper flat on the ground around the stick, and put the rock on the paper. As the sun moves, the shadow of the stick will move on the paper and you can see what time it is.
  • Long ago, people used sundials to know what time it was. They didn't have clocks or watches like we do now. They would build big sundials in gardens or on top of tall buildings. By looking at the shadow on the sundial, they could tell what time of the day it was.
  • Imagine you are on a camping trip and there are no electronic devices or batteries to tell the time. You would need a way to know when it's morning or noon or evening. That's when a sundial comes in handy! By keeping a small sundial with you, you can always tell the time by looking at how the shadow moves.

Sundial Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

horologe timekeeper timepiece

Sundial Meronyms

Words that are part of the original word.

gnomon