noun
movement
The working mechanism of a clock or watch.
The watchmaker carefully removes the movement from the watch case.
Etymology
The name concerns the parts that move and produce motion within a timepiece. The mechanism takes its name from the activity that makes the clock or watch operate.
More examples
- This watch has a quartz movement powered by a battery.
- The clock's movement needs cleaning before it can run reliably.
- These mechanical movements must be wound by hand.
Forms
movement · movements
Similar words
- mechanism
- Broader term for working parts, not limited to timepieces.
- clockwork
- Emphasizes gears and springs rather than electronic timekeeping components.