Chronometry

Chronometry is the science and practice of measuring time, its duration, and the sequence of events. It includes methods and instruments for assigning temporal intervals and positions.

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Clock: A device that measures and displays or signals the passage of time. Clocks implement chronometry by converting regular processes into readable time.
Time: A dimension used to order events and describe their durations and intervals. Chronometry measures quantities assigned to this dimension.
Sundial: An instrument that indicates time from the Sun’s apparent position and the shadow it casts. Sundials are among the earliest instruments for assigning time from recurring celestial motion.
Longitude: A geographic coordinate measuring angular position east or west of a reference meridian. Comparing local solar time with a reference time reveals longitude.
Oscillator: A system that repeatedly varies between states at a characteristic frequency. Oscillations provide repeatable cycles that clocks count to measure elapsed time.
Duration: The amount of time between the beginning and end of an event or interval. Determining duration is a central task of chronometric measurement.
Water clock: A device that measures time through the regulated flow of water into or out of a vessel. Water clocks enabled time measurement when sunlight was unavailable.
Astronomical timekeeping: The determination of time from observed motions or positions of celestial bodies. Celestial cycles have long supplied time references for calendars and clocks.
Frequency: The number of repetitions of a periodic event per unit of time. Clock rates are specified by frequency, linking counted cycles to elapsed duration.
Period (physics): The time required for one complete cycle of a repeating process. A known period lets instruments infer elapsed time by counting cycles.