Definition:Clock/Hand

Definition

The pointers on an analogue clock are known as its hands.

Hour Hand

The pointer on an analogue clock which indicates the hour of the day is known as the hour hand.

In the above diagram, the hour hand is the one shown in $\color { blue } {\text {blue} }$.

It indicates some time between $1$ o'clock and $2$ o'clock, closer to $1$ than $2$.

Minute Hand

The pointer on an analogue clock which indicates the minute of the hour is known as the minute hand.

In the above diagram, the minute hand is the one shown in $\color { red } {\text {red} }$.

It indicates some time between $17$ and $18$ minutes past the hour.

Second Hand

The pointer on an analogue clock which indicates the second of the minute is known as the second hand.

In the above diagram, the second hand is the one shown in $\color { magenta } {\text {magenta} }$.

It indicates the $54$th second of the minute indicated by the minute hand.

The hands are usually distinguished one from another by the fact that the minute hand is longer than the hour hand.

A second hand, if it exists, is then usually distinguished from the other two not only by being of a different colour, but also by moving fast enough for it to be obvious that it is in motion.

Also see

• Results about clocks can be found here.