sweep-second hand

noun

sweep-sec·​ond hand ˈswēp-ˌse-kənd- How to pronounce sweep-second hand (audio)
-kənt-
: a hand marking seconds on a timepiece mounted concentrically with the other hands and read from the same dial as the minute hand

Examples of sweep-second hand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web When the push piece at 2:00 is activated, the split-second hand stops while the sweep-second hand continues running. Roberta Naas, Forbes, 7 Apr. 2021 When the crown is pressed, the center sweep-second hand and the split-seconds hand both begin running but are superimposed. Roberta Naas, Forbes, 7 Apr. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sweep-second hand.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sweep-second hand was in 1937

Dictionary Entries Near sweep-second hand

Cite this Entry

“Sweep-second hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweep-second%20hand. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sweep-second hand

noun
ˈswēp-ˌsek-ənd-,
-ənt-
: a hand marking seconds on a timepiece that is read from the same dial as the minute hand
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