Word Study
clockwork
CIDE DICTIONARY
clockwork, n.
The machinery of a clock, or machinery resembling that of a clock; machinery which produces regularity of movement. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
clockwork, n.
1 a mechanism like that of a mechanical clock, with a spring and gears.
2 (attrib.) a driven by clockwork. b regular, mechanical.
1 a mechanism like that of a mechanical clock, with a spring and gears.
2 (attrib.) a driven by clockwork. b regular, mechanical.
Idiom
like clockwork smoothly, regularly, automatically.
ROGET THESAURUS
clockwork
Instrument
N instrument, machinery, mechanism, engineering, instrument, organ, tool, implement, utensil, machine, engine, lathe, gin, mill, air engine, caloric engine, heat engine, gear, tackle, tackling, rig, rigging, apparatus, appliances, plant, materiel, harness, trappings, fittings, accouterments, barde, equipment, equipmentage, appointments, furniture, upholstery, chattels, paraphernalia, mechanical powers, lever, leverage, mechanical advantage, crow, crowbar, handspike, gavelock, jemmy, jimmy, arm, limb, wing, oar, paddle, pulley, wheel and axle, wheelwork, clockwork, wheels within wheels, pinion, crank, winch, cam, pedal, capstan, wheel, inclined plane, wedge, screw, spring, mainspring, can hook, glut, heald, heddle, jenny, parbuckle, sprag, water wheel, handle, hilt, haft, shaft, heft, shank, blade, trigger, tiller, helm, treadle, key, turnscrew, screwdriver, knocker, hammer, edge tool, borer, vice, teeth, nail, rope, peg, support, spoon, arms, oar, cardiograph, recapper, snowplow, tenpenny, votograph, instrumental, mechanical, machinal, brachial.For further exploring for "clockwork" in Webster Dictionary Online