sandtimer
nounUK /ˈsændˌtaɪmə/
US /ˈsændˌtaɪmər/
A sandtimer is a glass tool with sand inside that falls from top to bottom to show time passing.
She turned the sandtimer over to start the game.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A device used to measure a fixed period, such as three minutes for boiling an egg.
The cook set a sandtimer for the eggs.
3. A symbol of time running out or patience wearing thin.
The sandtimer of the meeting was nearly empty.
4. A small decorative sandtimer kept on a desk.
He flipped the sandtimer on his desk while thinking.