| 释义 |
ˈwater-ball
1. A globe of glass filled with water, used to collect and throw the rays of light upon an object.
1665Hooke Microgr. 53. Ibid. 181 The Eggs of Silk⁓worms..afford a pretty Object for a Microscope..especially if..the light of a window be cast or collected on it by a deep Convex-glass, or Water-ball.
2. hour water-ball [after hour-glass], a contrivance for measuring time by the rising and sinking of a ball in water.
1655Marquis of Worcester Cent. Inv. Index, An Hour Water⁓ball.
3. (See quots.)
1696R. H. Sch. Recreat. 30 A Fire that will burn in the Water, or Water Ball. 1799G. Smith Laboratory I. 43 Water-balls, or globes, made of wood, which swim and burn upon the water. |