timepiece

== English == === Alternative forms === time-piece === Etymology === From time +‎ piece. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈtaɪmpiːs/ === Noun === timepiece (plural timepieces) A chronometer (any device used to tell the time of day), particularly a clock lacking a chime or similar sounding mechanism. A watch (a small portable device used to tell the time of day), particularly one lacking a chime or similar sounding mechanism. ==== Usage notes ==== In informal use, the presence of piece in the term timepiece causes many speakers to exclude large timekeeping devices such as wallclocks and grandfather clocks. In formal use, some speakers—particularly professional horologists and collectors—use the word clock to refer only to timekeeping devices that include a bell, chimes, or other mechanism to announce the passage of time. The term timepiece is then restricted to timekeeping devices (large or small) that lack such a mechanism. ==== Translations ====