ˈnōˌmän, -_mən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin, from Greek gnōmōn interpreter, discerner, pointer on a sundial, carpenter's square, from gignōskein to know — more at know
1. : an object that by the position or length of its shadow serves as an indicator especially of the hour of the day: as
a. : the style, pin, or vertical plate of an ordinary sundial usually set parallel to the earth's axis
b. : a column or shaft erected perpendicular to the horizon and formerly used to find the sun's meridian altitude
2. : the remainder of a parallelogram after the removal of a similar parallelogram containing one of its corners
3. archaic : nose
4. obsolete : a rule of faith or conduct : canon , tenet
[s]gnomon.jpg[/s] [
bcdefg gnomon 2
]