zeitmeter

A zeitmeter is a hypothetical device described in science fiction that measures, manipulates, or travels through time. The term itself is a portmanteau of the German word "zeit" meaning "time" and "meter" meaning "measure." While the concept of time travel has been a staple of literature and film for decades, the zeitmeter specifically refers to a device that quantifies or controls temporal flow.

In fictional narratives, zeitzmeters often serve as the central mechanism for exploring paradoxes, alternate timelines, and the consequences of altering past events. The specifics of their operation vary widely, ranging from complex scientific machinery to more abstract or even magical artifacts. Some zeitzmeters might allow for mere observation of the past or future, while others enable physical displacement. The ethical implications of wielding such a device are frequently a key theme in stories featuring them. The idea of a tangible object that can interact with the fundamental dimension of time continues to captivate the imagination.