A "quartz clock" is a timekeeping device that uses a quartz crystal to maintain its accuracy. The quartz crystal oscillates at a consistent frequency when an electric current is applied, which helps regulate the clock's timing mechanism. Quartz clocks are known for their precision and are commonly used in various applications, including wristwatches, wall clocks, and electronics.
In terms of frequency of use, "quartz clock" appears more often in written contexts, especially in technical documentation or discussions about timekeeping technology, but it can also be encountered in oral speech during conversations about watches and clocks.
Новый инструмент имеет кварцевые часы, которые никогда не теряют времени.
I prefer a quartz clock because it keeps better time than a mechanical one.
Я предпочитаю кварцевые часы, потому что они лучше показывают время, чем механические.
The accuracy of a quartz clock makes it ideal for everyday use.
The term "quartz clock" is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions. However, the concept of time and clocks gives rise to several idioms related to timing and punctuality. Here are a few examples of idiomatic expressions that include the concept of clocks:
Время летит, когда хорошо проводишь время.
"It's only a matter of time."
Это лишь вопрос времени.
"A stitch in time saves nine."
Укол в своевременно спасает девять. (Meaning: Taking care of problems while they are small can prevent them from becoming bigger and more difficult.)
"On the clock."
The word "quartz" comes from the German word "Quarzsand," which means "quartz sand." The term has its roots in the Middle High German "querz" and traces back to the Slavic word "křemen," meaning "flint." The word "clock" comes from the Latin "clocca," meaning "bell" and the Medieval Latin "clocca," which is connected to the sense of timekeeping.
Synonyms: - Digital clock - Atomic clock (for time precision) - Movement timepiece
Antonyms: - Mechanical clock - Analog clock - Sundial (in terms of traditional vs. modern mechanisms)