gnomon

noun gno·mon \ˈnō-mən, -ˌmän\

Definition of GNOMON

: an object that by the position or length of its shadow serves as an indicator especially of the hour of the day: as

a : the pin of a sundial

b : a column or shaft erected perpendicular to the horizon

: the remainder of a parallelogram after the removal of a similar parallelogram containing one of its corners

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Latin, from Greek gnōmōn interpreter, pointer on a sundial, from gignōskein

First Known Use: 1546

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