gnomon

gno·mon

noun \ˈnō-mən, -ˌmän\

Definition of GNOMON

1

: 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

2

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

Illustration of GNOMON

Origin of GNOMON

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

First Known Use: 1546

Rhymes with GNOMON

bowman, foeman, nomen, omen, Roman, showman, soman, yeoman