Hourglass
[ouuh r-glas, -glahs, ou-er-] /ˈaʊərˌglæs, -ˌglɑs, ˈaʊ ər-/
noun
1.
an instrument for measuring time, consisting of two bulbs of joined by a narrow passage through which a quantity of sand or mercury runs in just an .
adjective
2.
having a notably slim or narrow waist, midsection, or joining segment:
She has an hourglass figure.
/ˈaʊəˌɡlɑːs/
noun
1.
a device consisting of two transparent chambers linked by a narrow channel, containing a quantity of sand that takes a specified time to trickle to one chamber from the other
2.
(modifier) well-proportioned with a small waist: an hourglass figure
n.
1510s, from hour + glass. Used 19c. in a variety of technical and scientific senses to describe the shape; reference to women’s bodies is attested by 1897.
Men condemn corsets in the abstract, and are sometimes brave enough to insist that the women of their households shall be emancipated from them; and yet their eyes have been so generally educated to the approval of the small waist, and the hourglass figure, that they often hinder women who seek a hygienic style of dress. [Mary Ashton Rice Livermore, “The Story of My Life,” 1898]
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- Hour-hand
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- Houri
[hoo r-ee, houuh r-ee, hou-uh-ree] /ˈhʊər i, ˈhaʊər i, ˈhaʊ ə ri/ noun, plural houris. 1. one of the beautiful virgins provided in paradise for all faithful Muslims. /ˈhʊərɪ/ noun (pl) -ris 1. (in Muslim belief) any of the nymphs of Paradise 2. any alluring woman n. “nymph of Muslim paradise,” 1737, from French houri […]