A
clock is an instrument to indicate, keep, and co-ordinate
time. The word
clock is derived ultimately (via
Dutch, Northern French, and
Medieval Latin) from the
Celtic words
clagan and
clocca meaning "
bell". A silent instrument missing such a
striking mechanism has traditionally been known as a
timepiece. In general usage today a "clock" refers to any device for measuring and displaying the time.
Watches and other timepieces that can be carried on one's person are often distinguished from clocks.