| 释义 |
ˈsun-ˌdial
[f. sun n.1 + dial n.1]
A contrivance for showing the time of day by means of a shadow cast by the sun upon a surface marked with a diagram indicating the hours. (Earlier called simply dial.)
Usually a fixed structure of stone, metal, or other hard substance; sometimes a portable object, as a card, requiring adjustment by means of a compass or otherwise.
1599Minsheu, Relox del sol, a sunne diall. c1629in Maitl. Club Misc. III. 375 Ane Sone dyall and ane piller to set it on. 1665Boyle Occas. Refl. iv. xv. (1848) 254 The Boat-man took out of his Pocket a little Sun-Dyal, furnished with an excited Needle to direct how to Set it. 1727Pope Thoughts Var. Subj. Swift's Wks. 1751 IV. 292 Like a Sun-dial on the front of a house, to inform the Neighbours and Passengers, but not the Owner within. 1764J. Ferguson Lect. 221 How to make sun-dials by the assistance of a good globe. 1861Hughes Tom Brown at Oxf. Introd. (1889) 2 The great college sun-dial, over the lodge. 1874J. T. Micklethwaite Mod. Par. Churches 183 A good terse motto is a desirable addition to a sun-dial. |