Clockwork

Definitions

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.
   uncountable, usually
2. The action of behaving mechanically in the manner of a clock.
   uncountable, usually

Equivalents

Examples

“Many contrivances for making model⟳ horses move⟳ up and down as on roundabouts were patented in 1887, and toy horses pulling toy carts were made to imitate galloping by means of clockwork.”

“The mind⟳ feeds upon the body: pale sickness, and early decrepitude, overmaster even its spiritual essence. Too late it discovers that this earth is its prison, and not its home: the heart beats, and its pulses are the clockwork of wretchedness:...”

CEFR level