clockwork

Etymology

From clock + -work.

noun

  1. A mechanism powered by a coiled spring and regulated by some form of escapement; the power is transmitted through toothed gearwheels and used to drive a mechanical clock, toy, or other device.
  2. The action of behaving mechanically in the manner of a clock.

adj

  1. Driven by clockwork.
  2. Very smooth and regular.
    In their freight, as in their passenger operations, the N.S. present a picture of clockwork efficiency. 1962 April, J. M. Tolson, “The Nederlands Railways today: III: Signalling and freight”, in Modern Railways, page 244

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