An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. A rod oriented in such a way that its shadow, cast by the Sun’s rays, shows the hours on a → sundial; a style.
   
2. A device used in ancient times consisting of a vertical shaft used to measure the altitude of the Sun and hence to determine the time of day.

Etymology (EN): From L. gnomon, from Gk. gnomon “carpenter’s square, rule; indicator,” literally “one who discerns,” from gignoskein “to know, think, judge,” cognate with L. gnoscere, noscere “to come to know” (Fr. connaître; Sp. conocer);
O.Pers./Av. xšnā- “to know, learn, come to know, recognize;” Mid.Pers. šnâxtan, šnâs- “to know, recognize,” dânistan “to know;” Mod.Pers. šenâxtan, šenâs- “to recognize, to know,” dânestan “to know;” Skt. jñā- “to recognize, know,” jānāti “he knows;” P.Gmc. *knoeanan; O.E. cnawan, E. know; Rus. znat “to know;” PIE base *gno- “to know.”

Etymology (PE): Bâhu “stick, staff; arm (from the elbow to the shoulder),” related to bâzu “arm,” Mid.Pers. bâzûk “arm;” Av. bāzu- “arm;” cf. Skt. bāhu- “arm, forearm,” also “the shadow of the gnomon on a sundial; the bar of a chariot pole;” Gk. pechys “forearm, arm, ell;” O.H.G. buog “shoulder;” Ger. Bug “shoulder;” Du. boeg; O.E. bôg, bôh “shoulder, bough;” E. bough " a branch of a tree;" PIE *bhaghu- “arm.”