An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

An ancient device for measuring time by marking the regulated flow of water through a small opening. A water clock.

Etymology (EN): L., from Gk. klepsudra, from kleptein “to steal” + hudor “water,” PIE *wed- “water.”

Etymology (PE): Pangân or pang was a clepsydra in Iran. It consisted
of “a copper bason with a small hole in the bottom, for water in which it is placed to flow through, used for measuring time;” etymology unknown.