sandglass

Granular time measurer

A sandglass is a device for measuring time, consisting of two glass bulbs connected by a narrow neck through which sand flows from one bulb to the other.

When the sand runs out, a fixed interval has passed.

Also called an hourglass, though sandglasses may measure intervals shorter or longer than an hour: The three-minute sandglass timed soft-boiled eggs.

timekeeping

timer

Duration-tracking mechanism

measureUnit of quantity
intervalDuration between two points
durationLength of existence

countdown · minutes · period · timekeeper · pace · elapsed · allotted · expire · running · nautical

object

bulbs

Underground plant storage

granulesSmall discrete particles
silicaSilicon dioxide compound
neckHead-body junction

frame · invert · flip · turn · flow · trickle · sift · symmetry · chamber · vessel

symbolism

transience

Brevity of existence

mortalityState of eventual death
fleetingPassing very quickly
ephemeralLasting very briefly

passing · finite · impermanence · memento mori · vanitas · death · life · brevity · temporality · skull

antique

vintage

Quality from past eras

collectibleObject worth amassing
relicPreserved ancient object
artifactHuman-made historical object

curio · heirloom · Victorian · patina · restoration · auction · ornate · decorative · brass · mahogany

Categories

timepiecesclock, wristwatch, pocket watch, stopwatch, wall clock
ancient clockssundial, water clock, gnomon, obelisk, hemicycle
navigationcompass, compass rose, signs, charts, navbar
ship timewatch, first watch, morning watch, dog watch, midwatch

Opposites

timekeeping mechanism

sandglassmechanical clock

Gear-operated time device

clockwork · atomic clock · quartz watch · digital clock · pendulum clock

technological sophistication

sandglassdigital timer

Electronic countdown device

smartwatch · atomic clock · electronic device · computer · electronic timer

Family

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G